Sophie Taylor: From Non-Selection to Captaining the Hockeyroos | #246

In episode 247, Max chats with Hockeyroos star Sophie Taylor! Sophie takes us inside one of the most challenging and defining journeys in elite sport - from being told she’d never play for Australia again, to returning to the national program and captaining her country. Sophie opens up on the realities of non-selection, the emotional toll of missing the Tokyo Olympics, and how stepping away from the system - including time overseas in Europe - helped her rediscover her love for the game and rebuild her identity beyond hockey. We dive into her development through the Australian pathway, the challenges of transitioning to the international level, and what it takes to perform inside high-pressure tournament environments. She also shares insights on leadership, resilience, and perspective - from supporting teammates through selection battles to leading a young group on return to the Hockeyroos setup. Plus, her journey from a young multi-sport athlete, overcoming chronic fatigue, to representing Australia on the international stage. A powerful, honest conversation on resilience, identity, and what it really takes to navigate the highs and lows of elite sport. All this and much more in episode 246 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/