Member Spotlight: Meet Alison Penington

Alison Penington is a Leadership and Health Coach, Exercise Physiologist, and Hypnotherapist with a passion for sport.

Member Spotlight: Alison Pennington

At Play Like a Girl, we love highlighting the journeys of our members. Today, we’re thrilled to share the story of Alison Pennington, an inspiring Leadership and Health Coach who has been a vital part of our Empowered to Lead course.

A Lifetime of Passion for Sport

Alison is a Leadership and Health Coach, an accredited Exercise Physiologist, and a Hypnotherapist. Her passion for this career came from a lifelong excitement for staying active and helping others live to their fullest potential.

Alison's journey in sports began with field hockey, a sport she played with her older siblings, influenced by her parents who were also athletes. "I loved the team atmosphere of hockey, the community that surrounded it, and the chance to learn and grow as a leader," she says. "Hockey pushed me to step outside of my comfort zones and build confidence at a young age."

Fond Memories in Sport

One of Alison’s fondest memories is participating in a state championship with an under-16 team. "In our last game, we decided to charge at the opposition from the start, which led to a hilarious moment as they scored immediately.

It was a great learning experience!" More recently, Alison played her 250th game for the Adelaide Hockey Club Premier League Women in 2023. "I’m a little superstitious, and in my retirement year, it was my 13th year at the club, I was number 13, and I scored 13 goals for the season."

Joining the Empowered to Lead Course

Alison was drawn to the Empowered to Lead course after seeing it advertised on Facebook. "I couldn’t get enough of it. The incredible stories about women in sport and leadership were so inspiring." The course exceeded her expectations. "I was looking for something to spark my personal development, and this course provided exactly that."

Impact on Personal Growth

The course had a significant impact on Alison’s personal growth. "It was refreshing to learn new content and theories. It reignited my passion for leadership and personal development. I now have new ways to support and educate others in their leadership journeys."

A Lasting Impact

One of the most impactful moments for Alison was discussing the concept of "inner heroines" with the group. "It gave me a deeper understanding of other perspectives and helped me expand my mindset. It also gave me ideas on how to help others connect with their confidence."

Advice for Aspiring Girls and Women

Alison encourages aspiring girls and women to embrace their dreams fully. "Whatever your dream is, go for it! Whether it's a new idea or something you’ve been working on for years, you absolutely can do it!"

Playing Like a Girl

"To play like a girl means to move with motivation, punch with passion, dance with determination, run with resilience, celebrate with confidence, and give it everything you’ve got!"

Importance of Play Like a Girl Initiatives

Alison believes initiatives like Play Like a Girl are crucial. "This program should be in schools and delivered to younger leaders. It empowers individuals to be their best selves and step out of their comfort zones."

A Vision for a Better Future

Alison envisions a future where women and girls feel safe and have equal opportunities. "Too many crimes against women discourage them from chasing their goals. I'm glad to be part of a program that provides a supportive community for women."

Thank you, Alison, for being a part of our community and contributing to the Empowered to Lead course. Your story is an inspiration, and we are excited to share it with others.‍

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