Amy gives back to the game by teaching

"I started playing because my Mum and sister always played. My career began in Sydney, where I moved through the New South Wales system, captaining the under-21 side and playing in the Australia underage squads," explained Amy.

"From there, I was in the New South Wales Swifts in 2016 and 2017 before moving to Queensland to join the Firebirds for another two years, before winding up my career in the Hart Sapphire Series with the Tigers."

Now that she's retired from playing with a wealth of netball experience from every level of the sport, Amy has joined the Academy of Sport as a teacher and is focused on giving back through teaching TAFE at School students coaching fundamentals to help the sport thrive.

TAFE at School sees students spend one day per week in a traditional campus setting, getting the professional skills they need to pursue coaching opportunities on and off the netball court.

Amy's classroom will be the indoor netball courts at TAFE Queensland's South Bank campus. She will bring over a decade and a half of professional playing experience to teach a Certificate II in Sport Coaching (SIS20321) through the TAFE at School program.

"Netball is my passion, and it's given me so much that I even started my own coaching business to give back to the sport after I retired. By becoming an Academy of Sport teacher, I'll be able to help more players of tomorrow," explained Amy.

"I enjoy helping young players develop to realise their maximum potential to be the best version of themselves and show them the pathways available within the sport."

"Not everyone will play at the elite level, but if I can help them find their strengths and connect them with coaching, managing, administrating or umpiring pathways, they can stay active in the sport, particularly with the Olympics coming up," said Amy.

Students will undertake netball-specific training in an immersive athlete development environment that combines theory and hands-on delivery to advance their learning — giving them the skills to return to community-based sports clubs and facilitate coaching sessions.

"Giving back to your community is a fundamental of coaching and netball, and volunteering is vital for grassroots clubs, so showing students how to give back in a way that empowers them to share their coaching skills and knowledge is a win for netball and all sports in general."

Amy's sports-specific sessions will combine coaching theory with on-court practical delivery, providing students with invaluable insights into all aspects of netball. Students must also complete ten volunteer hours with a local club to complete the course.

"Seeing students develop from just having fun to getting a structured understanding of the game and the different ways you can coach a team to attack and defend while connecting with athletes and keeping them engaged is incredible," Amy said.

Being connected to Queensland's professional netball industry will also see Amy invite guest speakers to the course, teaching specific coaching skills and drills to enhance her students' development.

Critically, having been a professional sportsperson, Amy will also be able to give her students insights into the realities of playing professionally.

"I'll be encouraging students to get a life balance because elite sport doesn't last forever. Yes, you can get paid to play, but you need a safety net for the future."

"I'll emphasise the importance of that life balance because if we focus too much on one thing, you might not play or coach at your best. So, ensuring you have that balanced and healthy lifestyle is important."

"Being part of the first group coming through the netball pathway will be exciting – this is the start of something students will get a lot out of while giving back to the netball community. Students will learn a lot about coaching, improve their game and help community clubs," concluded Amy.