For Annelie Smith, sport has always been more than competition. It has been a space for growth, connection and learning how to lead with purpose.
Adopted from South Korea at five months old and raised in Melbourne alongside her three older brothers, Annelie’s introduction to sport came early. “That’s where my introduction to sport and competition came from,” she says. Whether it was swimming, kayaking or netball, sport quickly became part of who she was.
Today, Annelie is the General Manager of Football at Box Hill Hawks, overseeing both the men’s and women’s VFL and VFLW programs. Her journey through the sporting industry has included roles within both the AFL and AFLW programs at Hawthorn Football Club, where she continued building her passion for high performance environments and helping others thrive.
Annelie’s love for sport has always been driven by more than results. While her competitive nature certainly played a role, it was the deeper impact of sport that shaped her path.
“Sport is such a good vehicle for holistic life skills,” she says. “Dedication, discipline, teamwork, community.”
Originally drawn to the industry through an interest in sports events, Annelie’s purpose evolved over time into something more meaningful. “I’ve cultivated my purpose around helping others be their best,” she explains. “That’s what continues to drive me.”
As both a participant and leader, she has experienced the power of environments where people unite around a shared goal. Whether as a team captain during her playing days or now leading football programs professionally, she understands the importance of culture, empathy and connection.
“As a leader, you learn that creating an environment that best supports people is key,” she says. “Empathy and connection have to sit at the forefront.”
Always looking to learn and challenge herself, Annelie joined Play Like a Girl Australia’s Empowered to Lead program wanting to further explore leadership and personal growth.
“I saw this as a great opportunity to focus on my leadership skills and explore new ideas and concepts,” she says.
What stood out most throughout the experience was the openness within the group and the willingness of participants to share both personal and professional experiences.
“The program allowed us to be introspective, retrospective and connect with like minded women in the industry,” she reflects.
One activity in particular left a lasting impact. The Vision Board exercise pushed Annelie outside her comfort zone in unexpected ways.
“It was confronting for a non creative,” she laughs. “But it was so rewarding to genuinely reflect on and aspire towards things we sometimes ignore or avoid.”
The experience also served as an important reminder to trust herself and the experience she already carries.
“It gave me confidence in my ability,” she says. “To know that my experiences and education have equipped me to handle the situations that arise in leadership.”
Since completing the course, Annelie has already applied many of the learnings directly into her work with the Box Hill Hawks VFLW program.
One key example was facilitating a Values session with the playing group to establish the standards and behaviours they wanted to build as a team.
“We discussed why we existed as a program and why each person was part of it,” she explains. “From there, we were able to determine the values that aligned with that purpose.”
That process became the foundation for accountability, decision making and culture within the group. For Annelie, leadership is not simply about direction. It is about creating environments where people feel connected to something bigger than themselves.
Sport has also shaped the way she approaches life beyond work.
“Teamwork, listening, focus, discipline and positive self talk are lessons I carry into everyday life,” she says.
Looking ahead, Annelie is passionate about continuing to challenge outdated perceptions surrounding women in sport and leadership.
“I want to see stereotypes and misconceptions change,” she says. “Women absolutely have the skills, knowledge and experience to lead sporting organisations.”
She is particularly passionate about women being viewed equally when it comes to leadership traits and opportunities.
“Traits in women should be viewed the same way they are in men,” she explains. “Being forthright should not be perceived differently depending on gender.”
As the recipient of the AFL Jill Lindsay Scholarship, Annelie will continue expanding her knowledge through further study at MIT and learning from elite sporting organisations in the United States.
For now, her focus remains on continuing to build strong environments where players and staff can grow, develop and thrive.
“I want to keep challenging my self belief, decision making and strength in my convictions,” she says.
For Annelie, the meaning behind Play Like a Girl is deeply tied to freedom and possibility.
“To Play Like a Girl means to participate, work and live without limitations and barriers,” she says. “Whether they are set by yourself, by the industry or by society.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about fitting a mould. It is about having the courage to lead authentically, challenge norms and create spaces where others can thrive alongside you.
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