This week the Victorian Institute of Sport have been celebrating National Careers Week (NCW). NCW aims to celebrate careers and career development and as the basic philosophy of the VIS is embodied in our motto ‘Success in Sport and Life.” Athletes are encouraged to adopt a balanced approach to sporting excellence by developing their life skills, education and career prospects along with their sport.
The VIS Marketing team sat down with Victorian Institute of Sport Netballer, Gabrielle Coffey to talk about how she manages her elite sporting career with her study and work commitments.
VIS: Tell us a bit about your academic and work life to date?
GC: I first started school in Alice Springs and went to St Philips College up until year 10. From year 10, I was lucky enough to earn a place at Caulfield Grammar as a boarder. I completed year 11 and 12 at Caulfield and now am studying at the University of Melbourne. Whilst studying at Melbourne University, I am also working at the Indigenous Eye Health Unit helping out with tasks and paperwork whilst learning so much about what the eye health unit has achieved.
VIS: How have you managed to balance your sporting commitments with your academic and career commitments?
GC: I have managed a good balance by using all the resources my coaches, school and university provides me. Whether it’s been extra help with a tutor, seeing teachers outside of class, asking for extensions when needed or assistance with balancing my commitments. During Year 11 and 12, Mum and Dad were also extremely supportive, although physically they weren’t with me they would always call to see how I was going and help me with anything I needed including school work. I also had a great relationship with my Head of Boarding and my all of my sport coaches.
VIS: What are your aspirations at the conclusion of your elite sporting career?
GC: I am hoping to work in the area of Global Politics and Media. I am also interested in teaching and I could potentially see myself one-day returning to Alice Springs to teach at schools or remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.
VIS: What are the steps you are taking to get there?
GC: I am currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne studying broad arts subjects that cover many of the topics I hope to do in the future. I have also run Net Set Go junior Netball clinics in Alice Springs and am applying for Red Dust projects to get exposure for a possible future in teaching.
VIS: If you could give one piece of advice to athletes that are trying to be successful in both sport and life, what would it be?
GC: Use all the resources you have available at school, home and in your sport. I probably wouldn’t have gotten through sport and work in year 12 if it wasn’t for the support of many people in and out of school. One main piece of advice is don’t be afraid to ask for help, everyone around you is there for your own well-being, so don’t be afraid to use them.
VIS: How has the VIS supported you from a performance lifestyle perspective?
GC: Stepping through the VIS doors for the first time was incredible. Coming from the Northern Territory, I had never seen such a state of the art facility with the equipment, recovery rooms, sprung floor and not to mention the strength and conditioning coaches, physios, doctors and nutritionists. Attending the VIS has changed me as a person and a Netballer. It has allowed me strive to be my best in both sport and life. The VIS provided me support when I needed it and coaching staff are always on hand when I need them. The VIS has given me an inside look on what it is to be an elite athlete for which I am most grateful.
