Sophie Taylor
Current role: Physiotherapist
Current Organisation: Renew Physiotherapy
What sport did you hold a scholarship for at VIS: Hockey
Time as VIS athlete: 2013-2023
Tell us about your life after your time at the VIS?
I moved to Antwerp, Belgium, in July 2022 to play professionally for Royal Herakles Hockey Club. What was only supposed to be 1 season overseas turned into two years away, living breathing and loving everything in Europe!
The opportunity was everything I could have imagined and so much more. Being able to combine travel and being apart of one of the strongest hockey leagues in the world was a unique and fulfilling experience. But all good things must come to an end and I have recently returned back home to Melbourne.
I am excited to be a part of Hockey Club Melbourne, while also working as a physiotherapist at Renew Physiotherapy and as an educator at Sport Integrity Australia.
What is your proudest sporting achievement?
Debuting for the Hockeyroos on my birthday in 2018. Birthdays are always memorable, but my 23rd birthday will forever be very special.
Representing Australia had always been a dream of mine since I was a little kid, but as time went on, at certain times it felt like this dream was slipping away and becoming further out of reach.
What is your proudest moment outside of sport?
Moving overseas to live in Belgium in 2022 is something I always reflect very proudly upon. It was a big and challenging decision to move away from my very important support network, but a decision that only made me grow as a person and learn so much about myself.
The incredible moments and experiences I got to experience overseas were wonderful, but it is the life long friendships which I know have, that has been the most special.
What is the most valuable lesson you learnt during your time at the VIS?
Having passions and things to dedicate yourself to outside of sport, has such positive impacts on your life as an athlete.
I have always been a big advocate for pursuing a dual career and I am so grateful that the VIS from day one only ever encouraged this. This balance allowed me to stay grounded and it gave me a purpose and direction throughout the ups and downs of elite sport.
