12 May 2021

If you’re constantly getting called up to play first grade, don’t ya think you could be doing more than just turning up to the game every Saturday? Maybe you’re an absolute weapon that has been encouraged by your coaches, mentors and a lot of the time, your parents to pursue a career in a sport you’ve grown up with.

I know so many people that missed their peak and opportunity to turn their weekend sport and skillset into their purpose. Trust that study and work will always be there - so if you’ve got some love, passion and talent for a particular sport, what’s there to lose in having a punt at it?

Take some notes from these inspirational guys who have spent years perfecting their skill in turning their passion for sport into their career:

Josie Janz-Dawson

 

As an elite netball player, Josie has represented West Coast Fever (the Western Australia netball team) with her sister, played for Australia in the under 21’s competition and played with overseas international teams. She went to (and worked with) the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) to improve her skills and training to be where she is now.

Growing up, she was inspired by her P.E. teachers and loved what they did and felt empowered seeing Cathy Freeman at the Olympics when she was at the peak of her career. Josie has always kept to her Indigenous roots and has branched from her sporting ability to grow closer in helping Aboriginal girls to stay in school and follow their dreams.

Todd Hazelwood

 

Australian professional racing car driver, Todd Hazelwood has always been about following his dreams. In 2013, he finished Year 12 and went on to work with R-Tek, Ford, V8 Supercars, Repco and basically did everything that got him in front of a steering wheel.

At 25 years of age, Todd has competed in many supercar championships and is still on the rise. No matter what obstacle he has faced, he has never stopped being dedicated in working towards his dream and encourages everyone that it is never too early to achieve your goals.

Laura Enever

 

Being so busy with surfing, Laura Enever decided to deep plunge into her sporting career by leaving school, which has resulted in Laura becoming one of the biggest female pro surfers in the game. She didn’t feel scared or too worried about missing out on study, as she always knew it would be there for her.

Laura began surfing at nine years old, started competing when she was ten, has always been determined in achieving her goals and turning her passion into her purpose. She has worked with international brands, has a documentary out about her journey and competed in massive surfing comps on our shores as well as overseas.

We've got the pleasure to be joined by these three elite sports professionals at the Year13 Expo this year. Suss out the It's Not Always About Trailblazing webinar with Josie Janz-Dawson, How To Achieve Your Career Goals webinar with Todd Hazelwood and From Elite Sports To Passion and Purpose webinar with Laura Enever to get further insight in turning your weekend sport into your career. And if you love the sport, would it really feel like work?