Member Spotlight: Hayley Hamp

Hayley has lived and breathed sport her entire life. From playing, coaching, and umpiring netball to following her brother’s journey into the AFL, sport has always been a central part of her world.Growing up, she also supported both the AFL and NBL, experiencing first-hand the power of sport to bring people together. Today, Hayley is Senior MarketingManager at Netball Australia, combining her passion for sport with her professional career.

For Hayley, sport became her safe space.“Sport, netball in particular, became my safe space growing up… it provided mea space to be confident, spend quality time with people and make lifelong friends,” she reflects. As a naturally shy child, these experiences shaped her confidence and set her on a path toward a career that could combine her love of sport with creating meaningful impact.

Hayley’s journey has been filled with standout moments. From the 2022 West Coast Fever SSN Grand Final win, to the 2018 AFLGrand Final in Melbourne, to community-building initiatives like creating asocial team at university, her highlights remind her that sport is not just about results, it’s about people, connection, and growth.

Leadership has always been part of Hayley’s story. “From a young age, I was being voted as or volunteering as team captain.Now, in my career, I manage people and projects and I’m constantly learning,”she says. Her leadership philosophy focuses on understanding others, embracing differences, seeking feedback, and navigating difficult conversations.

Hayley was drawn to the Empowered to Lead program at a pivotal moment. “I was at a point in my life and career where I really needed to prioritise myself and my development, which is exactly when the program landed in my newsfeed. I’ve always had a bit of self-doubt when it comes to leadership, so the title in itself drew me in, I was looking to be empowered!”

The program exceeded her expectations, offering a unique space to reflect, connect, and grow. “It was amazing to hear other women’s stories and perspectives, complemented by theory and discussion points that had me reflecting on my career and my involvement in sport,” she says. Lessons from the program, such as the concept of operating “above and below the line,” now guide her daily life, helping her assess mindset, manage frustration, and respond effectively to challenges.

Hayley is passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation of women in sport. She believes that initiatives must start young, providing skills, tools, and leadership opportunities early. “We deserve development opportunities from a young age that allow us to succeed at the top level,” she explains. She also points out the importance of equitable coaching pathways in women’s sport, ensuring female leaders have the support to thrive.

For Hayley, Play Like a Girl is about embracing authenticity and emotion. “Showing emotion! Too often showing emotion is deemed a bad thing, it’s not. Sport is emotional, and that’s a key tool to having successful careers, relationships, and more.” Her story reminds us that leading with heart, passion, and authenticity is just as important as skill and strategy.

Receiving a fully funded opportunity through the Empowered to Lead program has been transformative. “It gave me the space to invest in myself, not just as a leader, but as a person. I’m incredibly grateful to Infosys, Highview Accounting, Gadens, and Classic Sportswear for backing programs like this and investing in the growth of women who are passionate about creating change,” Hayley reflects.

Hayley’s journey shows us that leadership, confidence, and resilience are cultivated not only on the court or field but also in the moments of reflection, learning, and connection that follow.