At just 18 years old, Fhury Nepe is already creating meaningful impact in sport through leadership, creativity and connection. Working in social media and marketing at Coastal Basketball, she has found her place behind the scenes, helping shape the environments and experiences that make sport so powerful for others.
“Sport is honestly everything to me,” Fhury says. “I live and breathe it.”
Basketball has always been part of her life. With both parents involved in the sport and her younger brother recognised locally for his talent on the court, it has long been the centre of family life. But for Fhury, her relationship with sport changed after stepping away from playing following injury and a difficult experience.
“After stepping away from playing, I found my love for the sport again through my younger brother and being involved in a different way,” she explains. “That shift really shaped my journey. It showed me that you don’t have to be on the court to have an impact.”
That perspective opened new doors. From supporting programs and managing teams to creating content and helping wherever needed, Fhury embraced every opportunity to contribute to her basketball community.
“Being part of that environment and contributing in different ways has given me a whole new perspective and passion for sport,” she says.
While she does not hold a formal leadership title, Fhury has naturally stepped into spaces where she leads through action, support and initiative.
“I’ve definitely put myself out there more,” she shares. “Leadership isn’t always about having a title. It’s about how you show up, support others and take responsibility.”
Her experiences within sport have helped shape the way she approaches challenges, relationships and growth. Through every project, team environment and opportunity, she has developed resilience, accountability and confidence.
“Sport has taught me resilience, teamwork and accountability,” she says. “Things don’t always go to plan, but it’s how you respond that matters.”
Wanting to continue growing both personally and professionally, Fhury joined Play Like a Girl Australia’s Empowered to Lead program earlier this year.
“The program really stood out because it focused on leadership, confidence and empowering women in sport, which is something I’m really passionate about,” she says.
Heading into the course, she expected to learn a few new skills and meet like minded people. What she experienced was far more impactful.
“It honestly exceeded my expectations,” she reflects. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me practical tools I can actually use in real life.”
For Fhury, one of the most valuable parts of the program was the sense of connection and openness created within the cohort.
“The weekly cohort calls really stood out to me,” she says. “It wasn’t just learning. It felt like a supportive space where everyone was growing together.”
Since completing the program, Fhury has noticed a shift in the way she backs herself in both work and life. She feels more confident speaking up, sharing ideas and trusting her instincts.
“It’s helped me understand that there isn’t just one way to be a leader,” she says. “I’ve become more intentional in how I approach situations and more confident in my decisions.”
Looking ahead, she is excited to continue building her experience within sport while creating opportunities for others around her. Surrounded by young athletes and players every day, she understands the importance of representation and positive role models.
“I’d love to see more women and girls in leadership roles,” she says. “Seeing female leaders and role models shows younger girls what’s possible.”
As she continues stepping outside her comfort zone and saying yes to new opportunities, Fhury hopes to keep making an impact behind the scenes while empowering others to do the same.
For Fhury, the meaning behind Play Like a Girl is deeply personal.
“To me, Play Like a Girl means showing up with confidence, strength and pride,” she says. “It’s about embracing individuality, backing yourself and not being afraid to take up space.”
Her story is a reminder that leadership can look different for everyone. Sometimes it happens on the court, and sometimes it happens quietly behind the scenes. Either way, it has the power to change lives, build confidence and create spaces where more women and girls feel seen, valued and empowered to lead.
.png){kind=icon}
.png)
.png)
.avif)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
