There She Is: A Womensport & Recreation Tasmania Podcast

Womensport and Recreation Tasmania

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This is a space for celebrating women in sport — the athletes, coaches, administrators, volunteers, and leaders who shape our sporting communities. We talk pathways, visibility, lived experience, and what works for women in sport — right here in Tasmania and beyond. Because representation matters. And every story deserves to be seen.

4d ago

Ep 22 | From Pool Deck to Footy Field: Abbie Genders on Coaching, Umpiring & Backing Yourself

What happens when you stop waiting until you feel ready — and start creating your own opportunities? In this episode of There She Is, host Philippa Bowman sits down with Abbie Genders, an emerging Tasmanian Swimming Coach, Football Umpire and advocate for women and girls in sport who is building an impressive pathway across two very different sporting worlds. From the pool deck to the footy field, Abbie is putting her hand up, backing herself and stepping into opportunities — often before she feels completely ready. Abbie coaches with Friends’ Swimming and is a recipient of the Women in Sport Coaching Scholarship, delivered in partnership by Womensport & Recreation Tasmania and the Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS). She is also part of Swimming Australia’s W32 Project, supporting the development and progression of women coaches, and had just received news on the day of recording that she had been selected for the 2026 AIS–VIS ASPIRE Coach Program, delivered by the Australian Institute of Sport and Victorian Institute of Sport. And her ambitions don’t stop at the pool.Abbie is also a football goal umpire, has made her VFLW umpiring debut in Hobart, and is part of the AFL Women in Umpiring Accelerator Program, receiving specialist coaching and mentoring as she develops towards her goal of one day umpiring at AFLW level. In this conversation, Abbie shares the mindset behind her rapid progression — including taking on the “1,000 Rejections Challenge”, which encouraged her to apply for opportunities she didn't necessarily think she would get. Her message? Back yourself. You’re probably never going to feel completely ready.We talk about creating opportunities rather than waiting for them, learning from rejection, finding great mentors and having the confidence to believe you belong in the room. We also dive into what sporting organisations can do to better attract and retain women and girls in coaching, umpiring and officiating. Abbie shares some of the practical issues women still encounter — from umpire abuse and inadequate change-room facilities to access to sanitary products and appropriate sports bras — and why asking women what they need only matters if organisations are prepared to listen and take action. You can’t be what you can’t see. So share this episode with every aspiring girl in the sporting sector. Learn more about the W32 program here https://www.swimming.org.au/get-involved/coaching/national-coaching-framework/women-in-coaching Learn more about the TIS Women in Coaching Scholarships here https://www.tis.tas.gov.au/coaching-centre/wcs Learn more about the Umpire Accelerator Program here https://play.afl/tasmania/news/three-tassie-umpires-picked-for-national-program Learn more about the VIS Aspire Coach program here https://vis.org.au/athlete_performance/aspire-coach-program/https://vis.org.au/athlete_performance/aspire-coach-program/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: www.wsrt.org.au/membership
Aug 31

Ep 21 | Retaining Women & Girls in Sport: Periods, Participation & Disability

At a time when sporting organisations across Australia are working hard to attract and retain more women and girls, could one part of the solution be surprisingly simple — better education, more supportive environments and free access to period products? In this episode of There She Is, Philippa Bowman is joined by Professor Clare Hanlon from Victoria University, Rochelle Courtenay from Share the Dignity, and Tasmanian wheelchair basketball athlete Katherine Reed to talk about menstruation, period products, disability and participation in sport. The conversation explores the ground breaking Powering Participation research into the menstruation support needed by people with disability in sport — and some of the findings are difficult for sporting organisations to ignore. But this conversation goes well beyond simply putting pads and tampons in bathrooms. Katherine shares the realities of managing menstruation as a wheelchair athlete, including inaccessible and unsuitable bathroom facilities and challenges many coaches, administrators and facility managers may never have considered. Together, Clare, Rochelle and Katherine explore period poverty and menstrual equity, accessible sporting facilities, education for coaches, the importance of normalising conversations about menstruation, and the practical changes sporting organisations can make now. And there's a powerful message for every club trying to attract and retain more women and girls:If we're investing in getting girls into sport, are we also creating environments that make it possible for them to stay? In this episode: - Why periods are causing girls and women to miss sport - Period products and athlete participation and retention - Menstrual equity and period poverty in Australian sport - The additional barriers experienced by athletes with disability - Accessible and appropriate sporting facilities - What male and female coaches need to understand about menstruation - Why period products should be available in sporting bathrooms and training kits - Practical steps clubs and sporting organisations can take now - Share the Dignity's Bloody Good Sport campaign - Why listening to lived experience matters Featuring: Professor Clare Hanlon, Victoria University; Rochelle Courtenay, Share the Dignity; and Catherine Reed from ParaQuad Tasmania, Wheelchair Basketball Athlete. Resources & Research Victoria University – Powering Participation: Insights on Menstruation Support Needed for People with Disability in Sport https://content.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-05/disability-insight-guide-women-in-sport.pdf Victoria University – Bloody Good Idea: Free Period Products at Sports and Leisure Facilities – Insights to Help Governments and Sports Drive Change https://content.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-04/period-products-report.pdf Share the Dignity – Bloody Good Sport Pledge & Resources https://sharethedignity.org.au/advocacy-media/bloody-good-sport Australian Institute of Sport – Female Performance & Health Initiative: Education https://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/fphi/education Swimming Australia – Ignite Athlete Program https://www.swimming.org.au/performance/athlete-resources/ignite-athlete-program Swimming Australia – Managing Your Menstrual Cycle https://www.swimming.org.au/performance/athlete-resources/ignite-athlete-program/managing-your-menstrual-cycle England Golf – Menstrual Cycle https://www.englandgolf.org/menstrual-cycle Organisations & Guests Share the Dignity https://sharethedignity.org.au/ Victoria University https://www.vu.edu.au/ ParaQuad Tasmania https://www.paraquadtas.org.au/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://wsrt.org.au/membership/ New episodes every week.. be sure to subscribe and follow
Aug 24

Ep 20 | More Women Coaching, More Girls Staying: The Southern Wolves Story with Shakira Bone

How do we create sporting environments where girls don’t just join — but actually want to stay? In this episode of There She Is, Philippa Bowman from Womensport & Recreation Tasmania sits down with Shakira Bone from Southern Wolves Basketball Association, winners of the Women and Girls Participation Award at the 2026 Clubs Tasmania Awards. Shakira shares the practical strategies Southern Wolves are using to increase participation and retention for girls, including girls-only opportunities, building confidence before competition, prioritising social connection and creating visible pathways from junior player to senior athlete and coach. We also explore Southern Wolves’ success in developing female coaches and leaders, including actively inviting young women to step into coaching, pairing new coaches through a buddy system and surrounding them with support rather than waiting for them to put their hands up. Then we turn the spotlight on Shakira herself. From coaching her first team while still in Year 7 to working through the Basketball Tasmania pathway, Shakira is now a development coach with the Tasmania Jewels — a role she pursued even though it wasn’t originally advertised. Shakira talks candidly about self-doubt, putting yourself forward before you feel completely ready, learning from other women in coaching and her ambitions to continue progressing through Tasmania’s high-performance basketball pathway. In this episode: - Why confidence is so important for keeping girls in sport - Creating girls-only spaces where young players feel comfortable - The role of friendship and social connection in participation - Turning senior female athletes into the next generation of coaches - Why personally inviting women into leadership can make a difference - Shakira’s pathway from junior coach to the Tasmania Jewels - Overcoming fear of failure and backing your own strengths - What grassroots sport can learn from high-performance environments If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: wsrt.org.au/membership New episodes every week.. be sure to subscribe and follow
Aug 18

Ep 19 | The Para Sport Pathway You Might Not Know You’re Eligible For | Katherine Reed

Could you be eligible for para sport without even realising it? In this episode of There She Is, Katherine Reed from ParaQuad Tasmania challenges some of the biggest misconceptions around wheelchair basketball and who can play. Katherine shares her own remarkable journey from aspiring jockey to spinal cord injury at 19, discovering wheelchair basketball in rehabilitation and ultimately representing Australia. She explains why you don't need to use a wheelchair in everyday life to play, the surprising range of physical impairments that may qualify someone for para sport, and the pathways available for athletes wanting to take their sport further. We also explore the power of para sport beyond competition — from confidence and identity to friendships, community and learning from others with disabiliy — and Katherine's work creating more opportunities for Tasmanian women and girls through Her Path to Play. Whether you have a disability, a long-term injury, work within sport or simply want to understand para sport better, this conversation might completely change your perception of who gets to participate. In this episode: - Who can actually qualify for wheelchair basketball. - Katherine's journey from aspiring jockey to representing Australia. - Why para sport can offer a new pathway for athletes after injury.- The community, confidence and connection sport can provide. - How Her Path to Play is getting more Tasmanian women and girls involved. Keen to learn more? Head to ParaQuad Tas https://www.paraquadtas.org.au/ Register for the Her Path to Play program 12 Sept Hobart 10 Oct Devonporthttps://events.humanitix.com/host/katherine-reed Basketball Tas https://www.basketballtasmania.com.au/where-can-i-play/wheelchair-basketball/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member:https://wsrt.org.au/membership
Jul 30

Ep 18 | Kim Holcombe: A World Champion at 77

People often assume there's an age when competition ends, ambition fades and it's time to slow down. Kim Holcombe is living proof that's simply not true. At 77 years old, Kim became the 2026 World Masters Table Tennis Champion in the Women's Over 75 Doubles, but her journey to the top wasn't straightforward. She didn't discover table tennis until she was 39, battled self-doubt for decades, and spent years believing she wasn't good enough—even when others could see her potential. In this episode of There She Is, Philippa sits down with Kim to explore the mindset behind becoming a world champion later in life, the role confidence plays in performance, and why staying active has given her purpose, friendships and a reason to keep striving. From training in Vietnam and funding her own international competition through her handmade crafts, to challenging perceptions of ageing, Kim's story is one of resilience, determination and lifelong learning. In this episode we discuss: - Why Kim didn't take up table tennis until she was 39. - How self-belief became the biggest factor in her success. - The mindset lessons that helped her become a World Champion. - Why lifelong participation in sport matters for physical and mental wellbeing. - The realities of funding Masters sport and competing internationally. - How sport continues to create purpose, friendships and adventure later in life. - Why Kim believes women should never stop challenging themselves—regardless of age. Whether you're a competitive athlete, a weekend walker, or someone wondering if it's too late to try something new, Kim's story is a powerful reminder that there is no expiry date on growth, achievement or the joy of sport. If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member:https://wsrt.org.au/membership
Jul 28

Ep 17 | Corina McCarthy: Building Community Through the Get Active Program

Getting active isn't just about exercise—it can be the first step towards building confidence, making new friends and discovering a healthier, more connected life. In this episode, Philippa sits down with Corina McCarthy, Health Promotion Worker and one of Tasmania's most experienced Get Active Program (GAP) facilitators. Having delivered almost 30 programs across the state, Corina shares why GAP is changing lives by making physical activity welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Together, they explore:- What the Get Active Program (GAP) is and who it's designed for. - How the program combines health education with fun, local physical activities. - Why social connection is just as important as exercise for long-term wellbeing. - How trying new activities helps build confidence and lifelong healthy habits. - The role local community organisations play in supporting participants beyond the program. - What makes a great GAP facilitator and how you can become one. - Why creating welcoming environments helps more people enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. Whether you're looking to become more active, support your community or become a GAP facilitator, this episode will inspire you to take the first step. Learn more about the Get Active Program or become a GAP facilitator: https://www.wsrt.org.au/getactive If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://www.wsrt.org.au/membership
Jul 14

Ep 16 | Monica Beazley: You're More Ready to Lead Than You Think

Too many capable women aren't stepping into leadership roles they could absolutely flourish in. If you've ever doubted whether you're ready to lead, this conversation is for you. In this episode of There She Is, Philippa sits down with Leadership Coach Monica Beazley to explore why so many capable women doubt themselves, what psychological safety has to do with speaking up, and how sporting organisations can create environments where women feel they truly belong. Together they unpack why confidence isn't always the issue, how women can recognise the incredible leadership skills they already possess, and practical strategies to step into coaching, committees, board positions and leadership roles with greater confidence. In this episode we discuss: • Why confidence is often confused with psychological safety. • Practical strategies to speak up in meetings and leadership environments. • The leadership skills women develop through sport, work and motherhood. • Why women are often over-mentored but under-sponsored. • How sporting organisations can intentionally create pathways for more women to lead. • Simple mindset tools to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome. • Why visibility and representation matter for the next generation of women and girls. This is an episode to listen to on repeat, pause often and come along with your pen and paper. Follow Monica and learn more here: https://www.monarchmanagement.com.au/coachinghttps:// www.instagram.com/monarchleadership/ https://www.facebook.com/monarchleadership/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://wsrt.org.au/membership
Jul 7

Ep 15 | Kaity Fassina: Why Motherhood Made Me a Better Athlete

Every athlete wonders how they'll balance life, ambition and the unexpected—but what happens when motherhood enters the picture? In this episode of There She Is, Philippa sits down with Commonwealth Games silver medallist, educator and athlete Kaity Fassina to explore the realities of returning to elite sport after becoming a mother. Kaity shares the emotional journey of discovering she was pregnant while pursuing Olympic dreams, the challenges of navigating sporting systems that weren't designed with mothers in mind, and why becoming a mum ultimately became one of the greatest strengths of her athletic career. Together, they explore: - Why becoming a mother doesn't have to mean the end of a sporting career. - The emotional realities of pregnancy, identity and elite performance. - How motherhood transformed Kaity's mindset and became her greatest competitive advantage. - The importance of support, flexibility and psychologically safe environments for athlete mothers. - Practical ways sporting organisations can better support women through pregnancy, parenthood and beyond. - Why we need to stop seeing mothers as a barrier and start recognising them as an incredible asset to sport. This is an inspiring conversation for athletes, coaches, sporting organisations and anyone passionate about creating environments where women don't have to choose between family and pursuing their sporting ambitions. Follow more of Kaity's journey on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kt_weightlifting_coach/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://wsrt.org.au/membership

This is a space for celebrating women in sport — the athletes, coaches, administrators, volunteers, and leaders who shape our sporting communities. We talk pathways, visibility, lived experience, and what works for women in sport — right here in Tasmania and beyond. Because representation matters. And every story deserves to be seen.

Creator

Womensport and Recreation Tasmania
Years Active

2026
Episodes

22
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Womensport and Recreation Tasmania