Kylie Lavis started playing bowls at the age of 16 with Wodonga Bowling Club. Some of her career achievements include winning the World Champion of Champion Women’s singles in 2019 and the Marj Morris Trophy with the Victorian team at National Sides Series in 2023.
She debuted with the Australian Jackaroos in 2022 – earning cap number 88. Her long list of accolades also includes being part of the of the Overall Team and Overall Development Women’s Champions at the Trans-Tasman for 2024 and 2025.
In May Lavis was named in the Australian Institute of Sport’s (AIS) Share a Yarn program. The program is part of the AIS’ Win Well commitment to enhance connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures across the country.
“I wanted to be part of the Share a Yarn Program because I’m proud to be Indigenous and want to represent my culture and community in a positive way,” Lavis said.
In its sixth year, the program aims to connect First Nations athletes from all high-performance sports. The initiative sees elite athletes connect with respected First Nations mentors who help them navigate life as a First Nations high-performance athlete, deepen their cultural connectedness and become advocates within their own sport.
“I’d love the chance to learn more about my culture, how to share it properly and connect with other amazing Indigenous athletes. I think there’s so much we can learn from each other’s stories and experiences,” Lavis said.
She wants to learn from a mentor and grow as a role model – not just for young indigenous people, but for all young athletes in Australia.
“It’s important to show that being proud of who you are and where you come from is something to celebrate,” Lavis said.
Lavis attributes part of her success to the inspiring role models who have shaped her journey, including VIS alumna Carla Krizanic and Australian tennis legend, Ash Barty—a proud Ngaragu woman.
In spirit of the NAIDOC theme for 2025, we asked Kylie to provide us with advice for the next generation.
“Don’t take life too seriously and enjoy the ride but stay true to who you are and don’t change for anyone.”
The VIS is proud to support Lavis and we know she will be a great mentor for the future generation of athletes.
Credit:
AIS Share a Yarn - Athlete Ambassadors
Bowls Australia - Kylie Lavis named AIS Share a Yarn Ambassador
Photo: Barry Jordan|Bowls NZ
By Camilla Blands
Victorian Institute of Sport
