#27 Ayeisha McFerran UNBOXED: Person First, Athlete Second – Irish Hockey Goalkeeper on Confidence and Culture

In this episode of the 4TG Podcast, Kylie sits down with Ayeisha McFerran, Irish international hockey goalkeeper and Unboxed podcast host, for a real-talk conversation about confidence, identity, and the environments that either keep girls in sport or quietly push them out.Ayeisha opens up about being perceived as calm and confident while privately overthinking everything, how growing up outside the “typical” hockey pathway shaped her self-belief, and why it took years to truly feel like she belonged at the elite level. They also unpack the power of language in women’s sport, including a moment that reframed the word “beautiful” as something you can feel through performance, not something you are judged on by appearance.From culture and communication to the sacrifices athletes make behind the scenes, this episode is a reminder that you are a person first – and that great sport should make space for the full human experience. They also talk about all the things you shouldn't discuss at a dinner table - politics, religion, and finances.Key TakeawaysConfidence and insecurity can exist at the same time – being “good at chatting” does not mean you are not overthinking later.Feeling like you do not belong often comes from environment and story, not ability.The words coaches use shape identity – language can build belief or reinforce pressure.“Beautiful” can be reclaimed as a performance word – not just a looks word.People-pleasing can make you absorb everyone’s opinions – self-trust is a skill you build over time.Elite sport comes with real sacrifices – missing weddings, funerals, and everyday moments back home.Culture is not a buzzword – it is built through accountability, safety, and hard conversations done with care.Athletes are people first – and performance improves when teams allow space for off days and real life.If the joy starts to disappear, it is a signal to change something – not a reason to quit on yourself.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:02:18 - “People think I’m confident” – confidence vs overthinking00:03:07 - Superstitions, control, and learning to let go00:05:26 - Proving yourself and feeling like you belong00:08:11 - “That’s beautiful” – changing the way we talk about women’s performance00:12:14 - Sport as community, safety, and an escape when life is heavy00:16:24 - How sport opened doors – travel, study, and opportunity00:22:00 - The story of Ayeisha’s first Ireland cap00:27:09 - Identity, self-belief, and backing yourself when no one else will00:33:00 - Staying in sport when it gets hard – finding balance again00:41:10 - What Ayeisha would do differently – investing in self beyond sport00:42:13 - The sacrifices athletes make that people do not see00:47:24 - Coaches, culture, and being a person first00:53:03 - Culture and accountability – what it actually takes to build it00:57:12 - Ayeisha’s podcast and “unboxing” athlete identity01:05:47 - Wrap-upConnect with AyeishaAyeisha McFerran: @ayeishamcferranUNBOXED Podcast: @_unboxedpodSupport the showABOUT THE HOSTKylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.Connect with Kylie:Instagram: @kylie__lynchLinkedIn: Kylie LynchWebsite: www.4tg.com.auEmail: [email protected] THE 4TG COMMUNITY4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.Instagram: @4tg_podcastTikTok: ...