There She Is: A Womensport & Recreation Tasmania Podcast

What if building a career in sport starts with simply saying yes?In this episode, Chelsea Wing shares her journey from player to coach — and how a series of small opportunities led to a career in high-performance football.Now working within the Football Tasmania Academy and with experience across state programs and national pathways, Chelsea’s story highlights what’s possible when young women step into coaching and back themselves along the way.In this conversation, we explore:- How Chelsea transitioned from playing into coaching at a young age- The power of saying yes to opportunities — even without a clear end goal- Navigating confidence, imposter syndrome, and stepping into leadership spaces- The role of visibility and why more female coaches matter- How scholarships and support programs can accelerate developmentThis episode is a powerful reminder that pathways in sport don’t always start with a plan — sometimes they start with curiosity, courage, and taking the next opportunity in front of you.Chelsea was one of the very deserving recipient of one of our Coaching Scholarships. To find out more or to donate to a new Emerging Coach Scholarships click here: https://www.wsrt.org.au/emerging-coach-scholarships-new

What does it take to shape the culture of a sporting organisation from the ground up — and use sport as a vehicle for real change?In this episode, Lauren Jauncey shares her journey from a career in corporate leadership and strategy to working in sport as General Manager of Strategy, People and Culture with the Tasmania Devils.With a background spanning global organisations and leadership roles, Lauren brings a fresh perspective to sport — showing how culture, inclusion, and strategy are just as critical as performance.In this conversation, we explore:What “culture” in sport actually means — and why it mattersHow corporate skills translate into leadership roles in sportThe power of speaking up and influencing change (including closing the gender pay gap in sport)Practical ways clubs and volunteers can shape positive, inclusive environmentsBalancing career, leadership, and family — and the reality of different life stagesThis episode is a powerful reminder that sport has the ability to bring people together — and that strong leadership can shape not just teams, but entire communities.If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

What happens when sport is intentionally designed to work for women?In this episode, Catherine Graue from Trail Ventures shares how trail running events in Tasmania are leading the way in creating more inclusive, accessible, and supportive sporting experiences.From achieving near 50/50 participation, to implementing practical, real-world changes that remove barriers for women, Catherine offers a powerful example of what’s possible when organisations truly listen and adapt.In this conversation, we explore:How trail running is attracting more women — including those new to sportSimple but powerful changes that make participation more accessibleSupporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and life transitionsCreating family-friendly environments (including childcare and flexible participation)Why visibility, representation, and feedback are key to driving changeFrom breastfeeding spaces to flexible deferral policies, this episode is packed with ideas that other sports and clubs can learn from and implement in their own way.This is a must-listen for anyone looking to create more inclusive sporting environments — and a reminder that small, thoughtful changes can have a huge impact.Learn more here https://kunanyimountain.run/supporting-womenIf you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

What if the biggest barrier to women staying in sport is something we’re not talking about?In this episode, Peta Titter, founder of WHEN (Women’s Health and Education Network), shares powerful insights into perimenopause — and how it impacts women’s participation, performance, and wellbeing in sport.From physical changes like joint pain and fatigue, to cognitive shifts, confidence, and motivation, this conversation highlights why understanding this phase of life is critical — not just for women, but for coaches, clubs, and leaders.In this episode, we explore:- What perimenopause actually is — and why many women don’t recognise it- How hormonal changes impact performance, recovery, sleep, and mental health- Why women are more likely to drop out of sport during this phase- Practical strategies to support training, strength, and overall wellbeing- How coaches and organisations can better support and retain women in sportThis is an essential conversation for anyone involved in sport. Because when we understand women’s health, we create environments where women can stay, thrive, and continue to contribute — at every stage of life.Learn more & find more resources here: https://when.org.au/If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

Why are girls dropping out of sport — and what can we do to change it?In this episode, Karen Wills shares her journey from player to coach, and now into leadership and research focused on improving participation and retention for women and girls in sport.As Head of Women’s Development at Taroona Football Club, Karen brings decades of experience — alongside a deep understanding of the real challenges facing girls in sport today.In this conversation, we explore:- Why girls drop out of sport during their teenage years- The growing need for social, flexible sporting options- How culture, inclusion, and environment impact participation- The realities of coaching as a woman in male-dominated spaces- Emerging research into female health and its impact on participation- Karen also shares practical insights for clubs, coaches, and leaders — from rethinking program structures to creating environments where girls feel supported, heard, and motivated to stayThis episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about keeping girls in sport — and building systems that truly support them.If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

What if sport felt less about pressure — and more about possibility?In this episode, Roxy Perry shares how climbing offered a completely different experience of sport — one built on creativity, community, and freedom.From trying (and struggling with) traditional sports to becoming a leader in Tasmania’s climbing scene, Roxy’s journey highlights the importance of finding an environment where you can truly thrive.As a competitor, coach, route setter, and director of Rockit Climbing Gym, she’s now helping reshape what participation in sport can look like — especially for young people and women.In this conversation, we explore:- Why traditional sporting pathways don’t work for everyone- How creativity and problem-solving play a role in climbing- The importance of reducing pressure to keep kids in sport- Building inclusive, welcoming environments from the ground up- What other sports can learn from climbing’s social and flexible approachThis episode will challenge how you think about sport — and remind you that sometimes, the right environment is everything.You can follow Roxy and learn more here:https://www.instagram.com/roxy_perry/https://www.instagram.com/rockitclimbing_derwentpark/https://www.instagram.com/rockitclimbing_hobartIf you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

What does it look like to go from elite athlete to building a professional team from the ground up?In this episode, Kayla Steindl shares her journey from growing up in the US, playing college and professional basketball, to stepping into a leadership role as Assistant General Manager of the Tasmania Jewels.From navigating setbacks like missing out on the WNBA, to balancing motherhood with professional sport, and now helping shape the future of women’s basketball in Tasmania — Kayla offers a powerful perspective on growth, resilience, and leadership.In this conversation, we explore:- The transition from athlete to leadership and management in sport- Why playing multiple sports builds stronger athletes- Navigating setbacks, confidence, and high-performance environments- The realities of balancing motherhood and elite sport- Career pathways in sport beyond being an athleteThis episode is a reminder that there are many ways to build a career in sport — and that leadership can evolve in ways you don’t always expect.Follow the Jewels here https://www.tasmaniajewels.com.au/If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

What does it take to go from a small Tasmanian sporting community to the Olympic stage?In this episode, Maddi Brooks shares her journey from growing up in a hockey-obsessed family to representing Australia — and the realities of pursuing high-performance sport.From balancing multiple sports in her early years to making the tough call to specialise, Maddi reflects on the moments that shaped her path, including moving to Perth, navigating selection setbacks, and stepping onto the Olympic stage.In this conversation, we explore:- The benefits of playing multiple sports before specialising- What it’s really like transitioning away from home to chase elite sport- How to handle setbacks, selection pressure, and the highs and lows of performance- The mindset and habits that support long-term growth in sportWhether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode is a powerful reminder that progress in sport isn’t linear — and that resilience, adaptability, and support networks matter just as much as talent.If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

Most people don’t realise how impactful the role of wellbeing, culture, and inclusion can be in sport — until they hear Emma Doherty’s story.As Wellbeing, Culture and Inclusion Manager at the Tasmania Devils, Emma is helping shape a high-performance environment where people come first. In this conversation, she shares what it really takes to build a strong, connected club culture from the ground up.From her background in teaching to her work in elite sport, Emma unpacks the importance of trust, psychological safety, and clear boundaries — and why these are just as critical as physical performance.In this episode, we explore:- What athlete wellbeing actually looks like behind the scenes- How strong culture drives performance — not the other way around- Practical ways community clubs can create more inclusive, supportive environments- The role of emotional intelligence, relationships, and asking better questionsIf you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership