What inspired you to make the switch from basketball to AFLW?

Basketball was my whole life for the better part of 14 years, and taking it to a professional standard was always a dream of mine. I’d played a little bit of AFLW in high school and even had the opportunity to pursue it back then, but I knew I still had more to achieve in basketball first. After suffering a bad ankle injury while playing in England, I took time to reflect and realised my passion for basketball wasn’t what it used to be — I wasn’t enjoying the game I once loved. When I came home and finished five to six months of ankle rehab, I made the switch to AFLW, and it’s honestly the best decision I’ve ever made.

What were some of the highlights of your basketball career, both in Australia and internationally?

There are so many moments I’ll always cherish from my basketball career. Being a development player in the WNBL was a huge highlight — just being amongst the competition every day in training and going up against some of Australia’s top players really pushed me to grow and showed me the level I had always dreamed of reaching.

Internationally, playing in England was another highlight. It not only allowed me to experience a different style of basketball, but also gave me life experiences I’ll never forget. Thanks to my former teammate Emma Eichmeyer, I was welcomed into her German family, which made my time overseas so special and reminded me of the friendships basketball has given me all over the world.

Beyond the wins and losses, those connections, opportunities to travel, and the growth I experienced both on and off the court are what I’ll always treasure most.

How has the shift from women’s basketball to AFLW changed your training and scheduling?

The shift has definitely been a big change. With basketball, most of my focus was just on training and competing, but with AFLW I now balance a full-time job alongside footy. Some days I head straight from work to training, and Saturdays are often completely taken up with travelling and playing.

It can be demanding, but I enjoy the structure and the challenge of managing both. Having the right recovery tools has been essential — my PainPod helps me wind down and recover after those long days so I can back up and go again the next week.

[A smiling female athlete in an AFLW training jersey is running across the field at night.]

What challenges did you face during your transition from women’s basketball to AFLW?

The biggest challenge was definitely getting my ankle back to full loading after so much time off recovering. Building up strength and confidence in it again took patience and a lot of hard work. On top of that, after quite a harsh separation from basketball, I found it difficult to throw myself in socially with the same confidence I once had.

But over time, those challenges became opportunities. I’ve been lucky to make some really great friends and be part of the incredible culture at Southport Sharks, which has made the transition so worthwhile.

How has the transition from women's basketball to AFLW made you feel and what impact has this had on you?

I’ve been nothing but grateful for this transition. It’s brought a new sense of purpose and light to my sporting life, and it’s reminded me why I love being an athlete. Stepping into a new environment has challenged me in the best ways and allowed me to grow not only on the field but also as a person. More than anything, it’s reignited my passion and given me fresh motivation for the future and what I want to achieve in this sport.

How do you maintain overall wellness and injury prevention in your training? How has this changed from basketball to AFLW?

Wellness and injury prevention are a huge focus for me, especially with the demands of AFLW alongside work. I make sure to listen to my body and adjust training or recovery when needed. Stretching and mobility work after sessions has become a key part of my routine, and I rely on ice baths post-training to help reduce soreness and speed up recovery.

Tools like my PainPod are also a game-changer — using it regularly helps keep my muscles loose, supports recovery, and ensures I can step onto the field ready to perform. Compared to basketball, where recovery was important but less structured around full-body maintenance, AFLW has taught me just how critical it is to be proactive about wellness and injury prevention.

[A smiling female athlete in an AFLW training jersey with the number 43 gives two thumbs up on the field at night. She looks happy and energetic, with other players slightly blurred in the background.]

Which PainPod products do you currently enjoy using and why?

I absolutely love the PainPod Heat. It’s become such a key part of my recovery routine — whether I’m winding down after a tough training session, easing muscle tightness, or just giving my body some TLC after a long week, it makes a huge difference. The warmth really helps relax my muscles and promotes recovery, so I feel ready to train again or perform on game day. It’s simple, effective, and something I genuinely enjoy using every week.

What advice would you give to other athletes considering switching sports?

My biggest piece of advice is to be fully content with your decision to switch — mentally and emotionally. Once you’ve made peace with leaving one sport behind, you can throw yourself 100% into the new one without holding back. Trust the process, be patient with yourself as you adapt, and embrace the learning curve. The rewards — both personally and professionally — are completely worth it, and it can reignite your passion for sport in ways you never imagined.