Member Spotlight: Meet Alix Kearney

Play Like a Girl Member Spotlight: Alix Kearney's Inspiring Journey in Sports and Leadership

At Play Like a Girl, we love highlighting the incredible journeys of our members, and today we are thrilled to share the story of Alix Kearney.
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Involvement in Sports and Early Passion

"My name is Alix Kearney. I played basketball and tennis growing up," she shares. Alix's passion for sports started early, influenced by her neighbors who boarded young Hawthorn players recruited from interstate.
"I grew up watching them play and spending my weekends at Waverley Park. I always wanted to play football but was not allowed because ‘girls don’t play football’."
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Her dream came true at Monash University when she discovered Deakin Devils Women’s football club and started playing football at age 20. "In November 2016, I joined South Melbourne Districts for the inaugural season of VAFA women’s and became the Assistant Coach. This is where my coaching journey started, and it’s a path I have been pursuing since." Currently, Alix is an Assistant Coach at the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League and a Coach Developer with AFL Victoria.
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Fond Memories and Experiences

One of Alix's fondest memories in sports is the friendships she has made. "A lot of my close friends are from football," she says. "The best part about coaching is being able to see players grow and develop and watch them have fun with sport. Knowing that you can make an impact in people’s lives is so rewarding."
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Joining and Impact of the Empowered to Lead Course

A big believer in continuous learning, Alix joined the Empowered to Lead course with an open mind. "I did some research and it looked interesting. The thing that stood out for me the most was participating in a leadership program that was offered to all sports – not just football. It’s been amazing to talk to and learn from people from so many different environments and across the country."
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The course has significantly impacted Alix's personal growth. "While the course itself focuses on sports, our small group discussions were very open, and we discussed ways to implement learnings throughout all areas of our lives. The modules also forced me to stop and reflect on experiences a lot more than I tend to, which has been helpful for my responses in daily life."
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Lasting Impact and Memorable Moments

Several concepts from the course left a lasting impact on Alix. "Our discussion on above the line and below the line thinking stood out to me as a great way to reframe and act," she recalls. "Something that was said in that same session was ‘where our focus goes, energy flows,’ which I loved. I think most involved in my program will also remember ‘duck mentality’ being quite a popular mental image."
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Empowered to Lead and Advice for Aspiring Girls and Women

Completing the course has empowered Alix to lead both personally and professionally. "I know now that being confident is not arrogance. It’s okay to share what I know and help others with my experiences by speaking up and not being frightened to lead," she says.

Her advice to other girls and women aspiring to excel in sports and leadership roles is simple yet powerful: "Just give it a go. There are so many roles in sports and leadership that there is room for everyone. You will find your thing if you just have the confidence to go for it."
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Playing Like a Girl and the Importance of Initiatives

"Playing like a girl means not hiding away the things that come to you naturally," Alix asserts. "It’s being kind, being curious, and using traits that were considered too feminine for sports like AFL and showing the positive impact that they can have."

She believes initiatives like Play Like a Girl are crucial for empowering women and girls. "In my program, we had a young girl who was still in high school. How amazing that she was able to participate in a program with so many strong women and grow up knowing that anything is possible. All of the strong women participating are taking these leadership lessons out into their communities and having an impact for the next strong women coming through."
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Vision for a Better Future

Looking ahead, Alix dreams of a world with "equal respect, equal pay, and safe environments" for women and girls.

Thank you, Alix, for being a part of our community and for your contribution to the Empowered to Lead course. Your story is an inspiration, and we are excited to share it with others who may be motivated by your journey.

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