What times do you usually start and end your day?

Start time varies depending on what I have planned for the day. If I’m training I’m up around 5.45am but if I’m not training then it’s around 7am. I usually head to bed around 10.30/11pm.

What does a typical day look like for you?

• 5am wake up
• Drink a lemon or tonix tea with a banana on my way to training
• 7-9am is the first training session – strength or a conditioning session, followed by breakfast, recovery and any treatment.
• 10am-12pm – Second session of the day is courtwork. Skills, team training and strategy followed by recovery, meetings with coaches and then onto lunch.
• Following that it could be appearances – school visits, coaching clinics, guest speaking, leadership forums or ‘Madi’ chilling out time.
• Or it might be processing orders for my own business and general life admin
• I try to always take my dog Ruby for a walk in the afternoon
• In the late afternoon/evening I may have an event to attend
• Or you’ll find me studying pilates, instructing a class or I’m starting my MBA study this year also which is very exciting!
• Around 7.30pm, I’m home to have dinner
• In the evening I like to catch up with my husband and enjoy some Netflix time
• 30/11pm is bedtime

What’s one thing that would surprise people about your life?

People always think you just get paid to be fit, but you’re so emotionally invested in it – it’s your whole world! We’re also role models for younger girls which means you’ve constantly got to be ‘on’ which can be mentally and physically exhausting.

I think people would also be surprised about that scrutiny and criticism on social media. For example, I used to play for the Melbourne Vixens and when Collingwood started a team and I moved across I received so many negative comments on social media, questioning my loyalty and my decision. I think people forget we’re more than just players, we’re humans who are trying to make the best decisions for ourselves.

You’ve competed for Australia in the Commonwealth Games, can you describe that experience for us?

The Commonwealth Games are amazing! Being a world sporting event there are so many athletes from so many countries, it’s almost surreal.

We won gold in 2014 in Glasgow which was an incredible experience. More recently at the 2018 games on the Gold Coast we won silver (by 1 point!!). Being in our home country, we really felt the crowd support and it was amazing to have my family be able to come and watch. Playing on home soil was such an honour and totally goosebump inducing.

What is your approach to work/life balance?

By being really really organised! I’m very busy but very organised, even my house. My teammates joke when we travel, I have the most neat and meticulous suitcase. I also love to plan for the week ahead. I also find balance really important. So doing things like taking a pilates class on your own, going for a walk getting outside, switch off your phone, tapping into mindfulness. I think it’s so important to switch off and get out of your work bubble.

What are the 3 buckets in your life that you prioritise? E.g. health, family, career, travel, fitness…

• Family
• Health
• Happiness

Overall it’s about enjoying life, having fun and being in that moment! Do things that make you happy.

Being an elite sports women can be very intense, how do you prevent burnout?

1. I take time for myself. While I play a team sport, I’m ok by myself and I really appreciate my own company.
2. I like to recharge by doing crafts, cooking classes or trying new experiences.
3. Physically, I make sure I eat the right foods, have ice baths, go swimming (pool recovery) or even go for a walk around the park.

What’s been your biggest “Aha” moment and how did that change the course of your journey?

The Aha moment when you’re going through your low; like being dropped in a team or being injured – those are the moments you learn the most about yourself. Sometimes when you think you’re missing something good, you’re been redirected to something great.

It’s always about the process and not about the outcome, and trying to be proud of what you’ve achieved.

Who’s been your greatest mentor and inspiration along your amazing career?

My family – Mum, Dad and my Sister are huge supports. My husband and I have been together for 11 years and he has been there since early in my career and my debut into an elite level as well. When times are tough, they are who I turn too. Mum is a very strong, independent woman and a lot of who I am stems from her, but both mum and dad gave me the ultimate childhood. I am very grateful for every opportunity they gave me.

How do you define success?

For me as I get older, with playing sport, it’s not so much about the gold medal  (although they are awesome), it’s all about enjoying and being happy with what you do. Surrounding yourself with people who love you for who you are and share the journey with you.

What will we find you doing in 2 years?

I would love to be starting a family! I’m originally from Geelong and have bought some land near Torquay and am ready to start family life.

Content supplied courtesy of healthlab.com.au