What made you want to pursue a career in sport?
Sport has always been an important part of my life, beginning with netball in primary school. Being part of a team gave me both a strong social connection and a healthy competitive outlet, which I really valued. As life progressed through school and university, sport remained a constant, which helped me to develop teamwork, communication skills, strategic thinking, and resilience – all whilst having fun.
I’ve always been a competitive person, and sport provided the perfect way to channel that energy while staying active and connected with friends. Growing up, I also saw playing sports as a privilege, as my older sisters didn’t have the same opportunity due to my parents’ focus on academics. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the role sport plays in building community, teaching life skills, and creating lasting connections, which ultimately inspired me to build a career in the industry.
What do you love most about working at SAPA?
For me, it’s the people, without a doubt! I’m a big believer in surrounding myself with like-minded, motivated, and talented individuals who are not only excellent at what they do but are also genuinely good people. From my early days as the fourth employee working alongside Sam, Ian, and Anthony, the culture at SAPA has always stood out. As we’ve grown, we’ve managed to not only maintain that culture but strengthen it, which is something I value deeply.
Beyond the people, I really enjoy the breadth of work we do. The variety of clients gives me exposure to areas both within and outside of the legal space that I might not otherwise encounter. Meeting clients, building strong relationships, and working across such diverse organisations keeps the role engaging and rewarding, and I’m proud of the high-quality work we consistently deliver.
What do you do day to day in your role at SAPA?
My role at SAPA is highly dynamic, reflecting the breadth of work we provide to clients. On any given day, I might be attending regular work-in-progress meetings, preparing agendas, and discussing key updates or next steps. A large part of my work focuses on legal matters, such as drafting and reviewing sponsorship agreements, providing tailored legal advice, and reviewing regulations to recommend improvements in structure, clarity, and compliance.
I’m also heavily involved in integrity work, including managing complaints and related matters from start to finish. This can involve reviewing an initial complaint, responding to the complainant, determining whether any policies have been breached, and advising on appropriate actions.
In addition to client work, I manage members of our legal team, including a part-time staff member, our new starting in-house lawyer, and legal interns from various universities. The combination of legal, integrity, and leadership responsibilities makes the role both challenging and rewarding.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to stay active, whether that’s going to the gym, joining a Pilates class, or heading out on the occasional run. I also love spending time with friends and family, where recently I’ve been in my “cooking and hosting” era, preparing meals at home with my partner and entertaining guests over a relaxed lunch or dinner.
With work keeping life busy, I’ve also made a conscious effort to slow down and find quiet moments of calm. Living close to the water with beautiful views of the Harbour Bridge means I can take peaceful walks by the shoreline, switch off, and recharge.
What is your favourite sporting moment all-time?
It’s hard to choose just one, but a few stand out. I was lucky enough to attend the 2012 Australian Open Final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, which was an incredible five-set classic that lasted over five hours, with an atmosphere I’ll never forget.
More recently, working on the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 across Australia and New Zealand was an amazing experience. I attended many matches, including the final, but the highlight was being in Brisbane for the Matildas’ quarter-final against France. The game went to penalties, and when Australia won, the entire stadium erupted. Being surrounded by that passion and pride was truly unforgettable.
What is some advice you’d give to someone looking to enter the sporting industry?
Demonstrate your passion for sport through real involvement, whether that’s playing, coaching, volunteering, or contributing at the community level. These experiences not only build valuable skills but also show genuine commitment.
Networking is also crucial. Connecting with people already working in the industry can open doors, as many are happy to offer advice and make introductions. Once you land your first role, focus on building a strong professional reputation. For me, an internship with AFL NSW/ACT introduced me to Sam Chadwick, who is now my manager at SAPA. Staying connected over the years eventually led me here.
Ultimately, find the sports you truly love and immerse yourself in them; your genuine passion will always be your greatest asset in building a career in the industry.