Member Spotlight: Lyndall MacInnes

At Play Like a Girl, we’re proud to highlight the inspiring stories of our community members. This week, we shine a light on Lyndall MacInnes, whose journey in sport and leadership is nothing short of inspiring.
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Finding Her Passion for Sport

“My love for sport started young,” shares Lyndall. “I did Little Athletics from age 4 to 15. I was never going to be an elite athlete, but I made it to state once, which was a huge moment for me as a kid.”
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As an adult, Lyndall discovered a new passion in social indoor rock climbing, which became a special part of her life. “I even met my husband in a climbing gym!” she adds with a laugh.
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It wasn’t until 2019, during her professional career, that Lyndall truly uncovered her deep passion for sport. “I was working as a corporate travel agent when I was seconded to the Australian Olympic Committee to manage flights for Tokyo 2020.

That was the turning point. Working with athletes and seeing the world of high-performance sport operations opened my eyes to how unique and challenging this world is. I was hooked.”

Moments That Matter

One of Lyndall’s most cherished experiences came during her role as project manager for Paris 2024 community activities in Australia. “I can’t even put into words what it felt like to see buildings lit in green and gold, or crowds braving the Melbourne cold at 3 AM to watch the Tillies on the big screen at Fed Square,” she recalls.

“It’s in those moments that you really see the power of sport to unite and inspire people. Watching kids line up for autographs at our welcome-home events, seeing the joy on their faces—it’s those tiny moments that add up to something so much bigger.”
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Empowered to Lead

When asked what drew her to the Empowered to Lead course, Lyndall explains, “I’d been following Play Like a Girl on social media and loved that the program was open to women from all walks of life. I applied because I wanted to learn how to create meaningful change for women in sport—both on and off the field—and connect with others who shared the same passion.”

Initially, Lyndall admits she felt nervous. “Everyone else seemed to either compete or be involved in day-to-day sport, and I wasn’t sure if I’d fit in.
But I quickly realised that sport was just the common language we used to engage with big ideas like leadership and resilience. That really surprised and inspired me.”
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A Time of Reflection and Growth

For Lyndall, the course came at a pivotal moment. “It was right at the end of my Paris 2024 contract, during a period of transition. The program helped me challenge self-limiting beliefs, explore my values, and reframe my thoughts about the future. The structured exercises and support from the cohort were invaluable.”
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One project in particular left a lasting impression. “The vision board tied everything together for me. I loved creating it, and now it’s my laptop wallpaper. Every time I see it, I’m reminded of the journey and what I’ve achieved.”

Words of Wisdom

To women and girls aspiring to lead, Lyndall offers heartfelt advice:

• “Focus on building your network. Find people who share your values and passion.”
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• “If you feel underqualified, identify the gaps and work deliberately to improve them through coaching, mentoring, or research. But remember—if you weren’t ready, you wouldn’t have the opportunity.”
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• “Be thankful for detours and closed doors. They often protect you from paths not meant for you, no matter how hard it feels at the time.”

What It Means to Play Like a Girl

“Playing like a girl means showing up authentically and consistently, embracing courage, compassion, and determination,” says Lyndall. “It’s about recognizing your value and celebrating your unique strengths—fierceness, kindness, resilience, all of it.”

Why Play Like a Girl Matters

Lyndall believes in the ripple effect of programs like Empowered to Lead. “Initiatives like this equip women to lead well, and that impact flows into their teams, workplaces, and communities. It’s a domino effect of positive change.”

A Vision for the Future

When asked what changes she’d like to see, Lyndall shares, “I’d love to see consistency in how we talk about sport—like using AFLM and AFLW instead of AFL and AFLW. The A-League does this really well with one unified social media account. It shows that both competitions are equally important, and I think that matters.”

Lyndall’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of sport and leadership. We’re grateful to have her as part of the Play Like a Girl community and can’t wait to see the incredible things she’ll continue to achieve.