At Play Like a Girl, we’re always thrilled to share the inspiring stories of our members. This month, we’re excited to feature Rebekah Dean, an Empowered to Lead course participant, whose journey through sport and leadership is both empowering and motivating.
Rebekah has shown remarkable dedication to sport, leadership, and her community, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on her story.
A Lifelong Passion for Sport
Rebekah’s love for sport began at the age of six when she started playing Netta (now known as Net Set Go) with her school friends. From there, her passion for netball only grew stronger. “I’ve continued to play all through primary and high school,” she shared.
After high school, Rebekah joined the Black Rock Football Netball Club in 2015 and has been an active member ever since. Over the years, she’s played netball, coached, and served on the club’s committee, recently taking on the role of Club Treasurer.
What drives Rebekah is the team environment and the culture that sport creates. “I love how sport brings people together,” she says. Her dedication to the sport and the club is a testament to her passion for fostering community through sport.
A Memorable Year of Women’s Football
While netball has always been her primary sport, one of Rebekah’s fondest memories is playing women’s football in 2022. “Our club started a Women’s Football team, and I decided to make the change,” she recalls. Despite being out of her comfort zone, she embraced the challenge and gave it her all.
The team remained undefeated throughout the season, culminating in a grand final victory—a moment she cherishes even more because she shared it with her sister. “It was an incredible feeling to grow and learn together as a completely new team.”
Empowered to Lead
Rebekah was inspired to join the Empowered to Lead course after hearing Play Like a Girl founder, Holly Bailey, speak at a League Forum earlier in the year. “Holly spoke with such passion, and I was inspired by her journey through sport,” Rebekah shared.
This led her to take the plunge into the leadership course, with the aim of developing skills that would not only benefit her role at the club but also contribute to her personal growth.
The course has provided her with newfound confidence. “It gave me the opportunity to sit down and reflect on what I truly value and what motivates me to be the leader I am,” she says. Through the program, she learned to embrace her leadership style, focusing on her strengths and values.
A Lasting Impact
One of the most impactful moments for Rebekah during the course was the time spent unveiling her core "why." This moment of reflection gave her clarity and a renewed sense of motivation to continue in her leadership roles. “It’s easy to get caught up in the motions of our roles,” she explains, “but knowing why I do what I do has given me a clearer vision and allowed me to set new goals.”
Words of Wisdom
Rebekah’s advice for other girls and women aspiring to lead in sport? “Give it a go and believe in yourself! We all have different strengths as leaders, and it’s important to embrace them and be proud.”
What It Means to Play Like a Girl
For Rebekah, playing like a girl means to “just play, give it everything you’ve got, and be proud!”
The Importance of Play Like a Girl
Rebekah believes initiatives like Play Like a Girl are essential to empowering women of all ages. She appreciated the diversity in her Empowered to Lead cohort, which included women from different sports, backgrounds, and age groups. “It was great to see young girls gaining confidence, while mature women helped guide the new generation.”
A Vision for Equality
When asked about her hopes for the future, Rebekah expresses a desire for equality: “Equal respect and pay for women. I hope for there to be less fear for women and girls to give things a go.” She adds, “Our women athletes are incredible and deserve the respect of all.”
We’re grateful to Rebekah for sharing her story with us, and we hope it inspires others to continue leading with confidence both on and off the field.
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