Sisterhood in Sport

The Sisterhood in Sport event, facilitated by UNSW Sport Elite Athlete Program coordinators Helen Bryson and Hayley Bullas, was an empowering celebration of women in sport, offering a platform for UNSW athletes, club members, and sport-loving women to connect. The event featured inspiring talks from two prominent student-athletes: NSW Swifts player Sophie Fawns and Sydney Swans AFLW star Montana Ham, both of whom shared their journeys of rising through the ranks of elite sport while balancing academic life at UNSW.

The event's aim was to foster a sense of community among women at UNSW, creating a space for athletes and enthusiasts alike to share experiences, build connections, and gain insights into the world of elite women’s sports. With the spotlight on Sophie Fawns and Montana Ham, attendees were treated to candid and motivational reflections on the personal challenges and triumphs these athletes have faced on their paths to success.

Sophie Fawns, a star with the NSW Swifts, spoke about the mental and emotional pressures that come with pursuing a career in sport. She reflected on the importance of not falling into the trap of comparing oneself to others, a common challenge in competitive environments. Fawns emphasized that each athlete’s journey is unique, with different strengths, skills, and timelines for reaching success. Sophie still finds it surreal when young girls come up to her on the street or before games asking for an autograph but also realises the value and importance of being a role model to these aspiring young girls.

Sydney Swans AFLW inside midfielder, Montana Ham, shared her experiences of breaking through in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Drafted as the first overall pick in the 2022 AFLW draft, Ham spoke about the barriers she faced growing up in the AFL, particularly at the grassroots level, where opportunities for women were far more limited. She described the perseverance and resilience required to push through these challenges, especially in an environment that wasn’t always designed for women to succeed. Balancing her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Exercise Science with a Master’s in Clinical Exercise Physiology while maintaining a high-level AFLW career, Ham’s story reminded the girls in attendance that although reaching the highest level can be the goal, there is life after sport as so many athletes can tend to forget.

The Sisterhood in Sport event highlighted the incredible female sporting community at UNSW, shining a light on the diverse and empowering journeys of women athletes. It underscored the importance of creating networks and support systems for women in sport, providing a space where they can share their stories, find encouragement, and uplift one another. Events like these serve as a crucial reminder of the growing prominence of women in the sporting world and the need to continue building pathways for future generations of female athletes.

UNSW Sport hopes to host the Sisterhood in Sport event each term, offering more women the chance to connect, share, and build on this thriving community. Through events like these, UNSW is fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for women in sport, encouraging them to pursue their passions, overcome obstacles, and reach new heights both on and off the field.