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At Play Like a Girl, we are passionate about highlighting the journeys of our incredible members, and today, we’re shining a spotlight on Sarah Davoren. A participant in our Empowered to Lead course, Sarah's story is all about passion, dedication, and an unshakeable drive to elevate herself and others in the world of sport.
"I Can’t Remember Not Playing Sport"
“For me, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing sport,” Sarah shares. “I started baby swimming lessons at just 8 months old, and from then on, I couldn’t be kept out of the water.
My love for sport just grew from there – I was playing netball and tennis by age 6, touch at 8, and cricket at 10. High school and university were about playing as many sports as I could: basketball, water polo, swimming, rowing, surf lifesaving, rugby... you name it, I wanted to be part of it.”
Her passion for sport translated into a career, blending her love of competition with a professional path. “Coming out of university with a degree in political science, I found myself a bit lost, but a coach suggested looking into sport policy and administration – that was it for me.
Now, I’m the Operations Manager for a rowing club, and I love being able to combine my passion with my profession.”
Moments That Shape a Journey
“There are so many memories – from taking wickets in cricket and having my team rally around me, to seeing the growth of athletes I’ve coached. Leading the delivery of a championship regatta with over 800 athletes is definitely one of my career highlights,” Sarah reflects.
But her favorite? “As a fan, nothing tops the Australian Women’s Cricket Team winning the T20 World Cup in 2020 on International Women’s Day. 86,000 fans watching – it was just an electrifying atmosphere that showed how powerful and united we can be in women's sport.”
"Empowered to Lead Changed How I See Myself"
Sarah joined the Empowered to Lead course seeking to grow as a leader. “Working in sport, the course felt like the perfect combination – it gave me leadership tools that I could apply both in my career and in my personal development.
Honestly, going in, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the discussions and content were so engaging and beneficial. It wasn’t overwhelming; everything was manageable and applicable week-to-week.”
One of the key concepts that stuck with her was the idea of "Duck Mentality." She explains, “We all agreed that a leader needs to be calm and collected on the surface, but underneath, they’re paddling like crazy to keep everything moving. I think that really resonated with us – seeing how the leaders we admire maintain their composure while working incredibly hard.”
Personal Growth Beyond the Game
Reflecting on the impact of the course, Sarah says, “Before Empowered to Lead, I was unsure of myself as a leader. Now, I’ve unlocked qualities I never knew I had. I’m finding I’m much more comfortable taking charge and stepping into leadership roles – not just in my job, but in life in general. It’s not just about sport, it’s about being confident in your own ability to lead and knowing that you have value to offer.”
A Moment That Made a Difference
“The huddles were so impactful. Each of us brought our own perspective, but there were always these threads that connected us.
In our very first week, we discussed what it means to be a leader, and it was amazing to see how we each defined leadership differently, but still found common ground. Those conversations have really stayed with me.”
Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders in Sport
Don’t be afraid. Have the confidence to step up and take charge of your journey. It’s okay to ask for help or for someone to repeat themselves.
If you don’t ask, nothing changes. I’ve learned that taking that step – even when you’re not sure of the answer – is crucial. For me, it’s about not being afraid to be seen and heard.”
"Playing Like a Girl is Powerful"
“To play like a girl means to embrace the qualities that make us who we are. Growing up, ‘playing like a girl’ was an insult, but that’s changed. Now, I think of athletes like Ellyse Perry, Liz Ellis, Alex Blackwell, Liesel Jones, Sam Stosur – women who play with strength, skill, and pride.
Being a girl in sport doesn’t mean you sacrifice femininity; it means you own it. Playing like a girl is about being technically strong, confident, and capable. It’s about being proud of who you are and leading with that pride.”
The Importance of Play Like a Girl Initiatives
“This course has shown me that women in sport often don’t realise their own potential. We talk about how young male athletes are developed and mentored, but there’s not always the same focus for females. Initiatives like Play Like a Girl are so important because they not only provide opportunities but also highlight where communities can be more inclusive and supportive of women’s development.”
Hopes for a Better Future for Women and Girls
“In my childhood, female athletes didn’t have the same visibility or support as male athletes. The idea of a woman playing professional rugby or AFL seemed almost impossible. But in the last five years, we’ve seen a cultural shift – Australia is really starting to embrace female sport and all its potential.
I’d love to see equal opportunities for male and female athletes across all sports, and for any young girl to know there are no limits to what she can achieve.”
Sarah sees an empowered future not just for Australia but globally. “It would be incredible to see countries support their female athletes in the way Australia has started to. Sport has the power to change so much – and with the right support and visibility, we can lift women and girls everywhere.”
We’re proud to share Sarah’s journey and celebrate her achievements. Her story is a testament to the strength and potential of women in sport, and we can't wait to see all she accomplishes.
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