Sophie kicks goals on and off the field

After falling in love with soccer at a young age, Sophie quickly realised her potential and set a goal to make the Tasmanian state team.

“I made it three years in a row and competed at nationals. Being in that high-performance environment made me realise that a career in sport was what I wanted to do.” Sophie explained.

“So, I researched schools with strong soccer programs, applied to Kelvin Grove State College, got in, and moved to Queensland for Years 11 and 12 and joined their Soccer Excellence Program.”

As part of the Excellence Program, Sophie completed the Certificate II in Sport Coaching (SIS20321) and the Certificate III in Sport Coaching (SIS30521) with TAFE At School, experiencing adult learning for the first time.

“I loved how my TAFE Queensland educator brought industry experience to class and made learning engaging, which sparked my interest in coaching,” she explained.

That interest was turned into a passion after tearing her ACL in grade 11, and she was sidelined for more than a year. During that time, her club encouraged her to consider coaching.

“Long-term injuries are tough, but one day, I watched training from the sideline, and a technical director asked if I’d be interested in coaching. That moment ignited something, and I discovered coaching was my real passion.”

After finishing high school, Sophie explored further ways to study coaching, bringing her to the Brisbane Broncos Sport Business Institute (BBSBI).

“I didn’t want to commit to a four-year university degree, so I looked at the TAFE Queensland website and found this course. It was perfect - sport-related and hands-on.”

Studying for a Diploma of Sport and a Diploma of Leadership and Management (SIS50321/BSB50420) through the BBSBI sees Sophie learning at the Brisbane Broncos’ world-class Clive Berghofer Centre.

Delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland's Academy of Sport, the dual diploma qualification is helping Sophie lay the foundation for a career in the dynamic and fast-paced sporting industry.

Sophie also coaches an under-10s academy girls’ team at Brisbane City FC and found that her studies immediately impacted how she coaches and leads the team.

“What I’m coaching, I think to myself ‘, How can I improve my team?’ ‘How can I build a better environment for my players?’”

“I was buzzing after the emotional intelligence unit, and I went from class straight to my coaching role and implemented what I’d just learned. It’s been huge for my development - not just as a coach but as a person.”

As a national-level soccer player, Sophie is particularly passionate about the community aspect of the sport.

“I love how sport brings people together and creates a positive impact. Coaching allows me to build and add to that kind of culture.”

Sophie’s favourite part of the course is the work-integrated learning, which includes 100 hours of hands-on experience across Brisbane Broncos departments that put her skills to the test.

In her work-integrated learning, Sophie supported the Brisbane Broncos Game Development team to run Buck to Bronco coaching clinics.

The clinics offered skills-based footy sessions for kids aged 6 – 14 across South East Queensland, allowing young players to learn new skills.

“The first day, I was doing admin, checking in and registering kids. On the second day, I went to the Sunshine Coast and ran drills with some former Broncos players on the field. It was amazing.”

She credits her teachers – Grant Dwyer, Lucian McGuinness and Expo Mejia - for leading by example.

“They all bring their lived experiences into the classroom. Expo just taught our communications unit, and he shows us what effective communication looks like through how he teaches.”

“Grant was incredible during the emotional intelligence unit, and Lucian brings basketball coaching and leadership knowledge. They demonstrate the kind of professionals we’re learning to be.”

Studying inside the Brisbane Broncos state-of-the-art headquarters and rubbing shoulders with industry professionals only adds to the learning experience.

“From day one, it felt like a high-performance environment that makes you lift your game to a higher standard.”

As well as her incredible teachers and amazing facilities, Sophie also cites the tight-knit student community for enhancing her learning.

“There’s about 35 people in our class, so we’ve built real connections. We support each other, and people are already getting jobs through those connections.”

While Sophie is still exploring her career path, she’s clear on one thing - sport is where she wants to be.

“I’m interested in all aspects of sport, from coaching to player management. I’m keen to be in the sporting industry, wherever that leads.”

At just 18, she has advice beyond her years for anyone considering following a similar study path to turn their passion into their profession.

“Do this course. Seriously. The theory you learn enhances your coaching and opens you up to new opportunities, and I’ve already experienced that.”

“I’ve studied with TAFE Queensland from certificate to diploma, and every teacher I’ve had has made my learning engaging and showed me what’s possible and grown my skills, knowledge, and confidence – and I love that,” concluded Sophie.