From Gym Floor to NRL Club: Grace Chambers’ Journey into Professional Sport

Studying the Diploma of Sport and the Diploma of Leadership and Management (SIS50321/BSB50420), she was unsure exactly where that pathway would lead.

Less than a year later, Grace is now employed within the Academy itself as a Student Experience Coordinator, turning her passion into a profession within an elite sporting organisation.

Before commencing the dual diploma, Grace had already completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and a Master's of High-Performance Sport.

She ran her own personal training business inside a commercial gym, building strong foundations in communication, self-management and client engagement.

However, she recognised that her future ambitions extended beyond the gym floor.

She wanted exposure to the broader sports industry and to explore career opportunities outside traditional coaching roles.

The opportunity to study inside a professional NRL club environment was what drew Grace to the Sea Eagles Sports Business Academy. part of TAFE Queensland's Academy of Sport program. 

Based at 4 Pines Park, the program offered access to high-performance facilities, industry professionals and real-world learning that extended far beyond a traditional classroom experience.

The strong emphasis on work-integrated learning and industry-led masterclasses led to an easy decision to enrol.

Studying within the club environment provided Grace with first-hand insight into the daily operations of a professional sporting organisation.

Being immersed in that setting helped her understand professional standards, workplace expectations and how multiple departments collaborate to support club performance.

She particularly valued learning directly from Sea Eagles staff and coaches, whose willingness to share industry experiences helped bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Throughout the program, Grace participated in a range of work-integrated learning activities including corporate event delivery, match-day activations, marketing research and mascot appearances.

These experiences provided exposure to the fast-paced nature of the sports industry and helped her identify where her strengths and interests aligned.

The dual diploma strengthened Grace’s skills in communication, organisation, stakeholder engagement and program coordination, all of which now underpin her role as Student Experience Coordinator within the Academy.

Combining Leadership and Management with Sport allowed her to formalise skills developed through running her own business and apply them in a larger organisational setting, resulting in a highly transferable and well-rounded capability set.

“Since she started with us, she has been a standout student and a standout person, and exactly the kind of person who we think will make it far in the sporting industry because of her great attitude and application”, Tim Gee, Head of Education and Foundation at the Manly Sea Eagles, said of Grace.

Grace credits the support of TAFE Queensland educators and mentors as instrumental in her development.

She highlights the role of her educator in recognising prior learning, challenging her to grow and providing guidance that shaped her professional confidence.

“The support from TAFE Queensland has been exceptional. My educator, Christopher Mamo, has been outstanding in recognising my prior learning and experience and challenging me to develop further.

The guidance provided by TAFE Queensland staff played a key role in my professional development,” she said.

Equally important was studying alongside like-minded peers. Grace describes her cohort as supportive, empathetic and driven, creating a collaborative learning culture that made showing up and engaging each day rewarding.

“It’s incredibly motivating to study alongside students who share a passion for sport but come from different backgrounds.

My cohort has been full of amazing, supportive and empathetic students who make showing up for class even easier.

The diversity of experience across the cohort creates a strong collaboration and a supportive learning environment”.

Now working in the very Academy she’s studied with, Grace reflects on how quickly her career has progressed.

Her journey has inspired her to help others discover pathways into sport, particularly those who may not yet be aware of the opportunities available beyond traditional roles.

Her advice to aspiring sports professionals is simple: gain experience, volunteer, say yes to opportunities and find the area of the industry that sparks your passion.

The Manly Sea Eagles are looking forward to welcoming their second and third cohorts of students who are set to commence in late January 2026.