However Tracy is going out on a high note and says it's been fantastic giving back to a sport that she was introduced to as a four-year-old. Her daughter Ashlee is the fourth generation in the family to march.
"Coaching is my passion as it has enabled me to put back into the sport some of the energy and thrills I've experienced over the years," she says.
"I love being a role model and helping young girls with self-esteem and other issues overcome hurdles, grow and achieve in life."
Tracy says she had a few promises to fulfil before retiring - including Ashlee's dream to be part of a winning national team.
"She has been around marching since a young age and only came into the team as an eight-year-old, so has experienced three successful nationals with her current team-mates."
Marching runs in the genes, after Tracy was introduced to the sport by her mother and grandmother.
"They instilled my passion."
She has marched competitively in every age group, winning North Island and national titles. Her coaching career is impressive, despite leaving New Zealand and living in Australia.
In 2010, under her tutorage, the team won the New Zealand Champion Technical team and in 2011 and 2012 she was appointed the National Coaching accreditation presenter. It enabled her to impart knowledge and encourage new coaches.
"Success comes down to having the perfect mix of talent, amazing officials and supporters."
Trust and belief in each other were important, as well as good communication and organisation, she says.
Quality training, over quantity, also made a difference, she says. Plus there needed to be loads of fun along the way.
"I have had some pretty special team officials over the past seven years and they know who they are. I couldn't have done it without them."