There She Is: A Womensport & Recreation Tasmania Podcast

What if one of the most powerful ways to keep girls in sport, is about strengthening the relationship they have with the adults who support them?In this episode, Professor Philip Morgan, founder of the Daughters & Dads program, shares more than a decade of research exploring how fathers and father figures can help girls build confidence, competence, resilience and a lifelong connection to sport and physical activity.Through an innovative program that combines sport, parenting strategies and quality one-on-one time, Phil and his team have seen remarkable outcomes—not only in girls' participation and skill development, but also in wellbeing, self-belief and family relationships that continue years after the program ends.In this conversation, we explore:- Why confidence and competence are critical to girls' participation in sport- The unique influence fathers and father figures can have in girls' lives- How co-participation in physical activity strengthens relationships and wellbeing- The subtle gender stereotypes girls still encounter every day- Building resilience and helping girls navigate barriers and setbacks- What keeps girls engaged in sport through adolescence- Practical parenting strategies that support connection, communication and confidence- Why belonging may be even more important than participationThis is a powerful conversation for parents, coaches, teachers and sporting organisations alike. It highlights how small, intentional actions can have a lasting impact on girls' confidence, opportunities and lifelong relationship with sport.Learn more about Daughters & Dads (become a partner or a facilitator) https://www.daughtersanddads.com.auAre you looking for an innovative approach to ensure girls stay in sport?Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered is an evidence-based program that brings together fathers/father-figures and their primary-aged daughters to:- Improve wellbeing- Strengthen the father-child bond and improve family functioning- Advance gender equity- Promote physical activity in families Daughters and Dads sport-specific programs include cricket, football, basketball and cycling. We have experience partnering with dozens of national and international partners to empower thousands of girls to thrive through sport and positive father involvement. If you are interested in learning more or partnering with the University of Newcastle, please contact DaughtersAndDads@newcastle.edu.auIf you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

Adventure doesn’t have to look one way — and neither does recreation. In this episode, Nicola Hughes from The Swag Family shares the story behind an extraordinary decision to step outside the expected path and cycle around the world with her husband and three children — travelling for 696 days and covering almost 14,000 kilometres together as a family. Along the way they discovered that adventure isn’t always about going further or faster, but about slowing down, embracing uncertainty, and creating space for connection, growth, and possibility.This conversation explores motherhood, raising capable kids, doing things differently, and what can happen when you stop waiting for perfect conditions and simply have a go. Nicola reflects on challenge, flexibility, community, and the powerful lesson that some of life’s most meaningful experiences begin with one small decision to step outside your comfort zone. A beautiful reminder that there are many ways to participate, move, explore, and create your own version of adventure.Learn more:https://swagfamily.au/https://open.spotify.com/show/7253JUESv3MupkqBDwKxGy?si=201b612690794f9chttps://www.instagram.com/swagfamilyhughes/If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport & recreation, you can support our work by becoming a WSRT member for only $20.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

What if building a career in sport starts with simply saying yes?In this episode, Chelsea Wing shares her journey from player to coach — and how a series of small opportunities led to a career in high-performance football.Now working within the Football Tasmania Academy and with experience across state programs and national pathways, Chelsea’s story highlights what’s possible when young women step into coaching and back themselves along the way.In this conversation, we explore:- How Chelsea transitioned from playing into coaching at a young age- The power of saying yes to opportunities — even without a clear end goal- Navigating confidence, imposter syndrome, and stepping into leadership spaces- The role of visibility and why more female coaches matter- How scholarships and support programs can accelerate developmentThis episode is a powerful reminder that pathways in sport don’t always start with a plan — sometimes they start with curiosity, courage, and taking the next opportunity in front of you.Chelsea was one of the very deserving recipient of one of our Coaching Scholarships. To find out more or to donate to a new Emerging Coach Scholarships click here: https://www.wsrt.org.au/emerging-coach-scholarships-new

What happens when sport is intentionally designed to work for women?In this episode, Catherine Graue from Trail Ventures shares how trail running events in Tasmania are leading the way in creating more inclusive, accessible, and supportive sporting experiences.From achieving near 50/50 participation, to implementing practical, real-world changes that remove barriers for women, Catherine offers a powerful example of what’s possible when organisations truly listen and adapt.In this conversation, we explore:How trail running is attracting more women — including those new to sportSimple but powerful changes that make participation more accessibleSupporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and life transitionsCreating family-friendly environments (including childcare and flexible participation)Why visibility, representation, and feedback are key to driving changeFrom breastfeeding spaces to flexible deferral policies, this episode is packed with ideas that other sports and clubs can learn from and implement in their own way.This is a must-listen for anyone looking to create more inclusive sporting environments — and a reminder that small, thoughtful changes can have a huge impact.Learn more here https://kunanyimountain.run/supporting-womenIf you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

Why are girls dropping out of sport — and what can we do to change it?In this episode, Karen Wills shares her journey from player to coach, and now into leadership and research focused on improving participation and retention for women and girls in sport.As Head of Women’s Development at Taroona Football Club, Karen brings decades of experience — alongside a deep understanding of the real challenges facing girls in sport today.In this conversation, we explore:- Why girls drop out of sport during their teenage years- The growing need for social, flexible sporting options- How culture, inclusion, and environment impact participation- The realities of coaching as a woman in male-dominated spaces- Emerging research into female health and its impact on participation- Karen also shares practical insights for clubs, coaches, and leaders — from rethinking program structures to creating environments where girls feel supported, heard, and motivated to stayThis episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about keeping girls in sport — and building systems that truly support them.If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

What does it look like to go from elite athlete to building a professional team from the ground up?In this episode, Kayla Steindl shares her journey from growing up in the US, playing college and professional basketball, to stepping into a leadership role as Assistant General Manager of the Tasmania Jewels.From navigating setbacks like missing out on the WNBA, to balancing motherhood with professional sport, and now helping shape the future of women’s basketball in Tasmania — Kayla offers a powerful perspective on growth, resilience, and leadership.In this conversation, we explore:- The transition from athlete to leadership and management in sport- Why playing multiple sports builds stronger athletes- Navigating setbacks, confidence, and high-performance environments- The realities of balancing motherhood and elite sport- Career pathways in sport beyond being an athleteThis episode is a reminder that there are many ways to build a career in sport — and that leadership can evolve in ways you don’t always expect.Follow the Jewels here https://www.tasmaniajewels.com.au/If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

Most people don’t realise how impactful the role of wellbeing, culture, and inclusion can be in sport — until they hear Emma Doherty’s story.As Wellbeing, Culture and Inclusion Manager at the Tasmania Devils, Emma is helping shape a high-performance environment where people come first. In this conversation, she shares what it really takes to build a strong, connected club culture from the ground up.From her background in teaching to her work in elite sport, Emma unpacks the importance of trust, psychological safety, and clear boundaries — and why these are just as critical as physical performance.In this episode, we explore:- What athlete wellbeing actually looks like behind the scenes- How strong culture drives performance — not the other way around- Practical ways community clubs can create more inclusive, supportive environments- The role of emotional intelligence, relationships, and asking better questionsIf you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership