For over a decade, hockey has been more than just a sport for Taya Stuart. It has been home. From player to coach to mentor, she has grown up on the field, surrounded by teammates who have become family and a community that has shaped who she is as a leader and person. “Hockey has been a huge part of my life,” Taya says. “It’s where I’ve found connection, confidence, and leadership. Now, I get to help other women and girls thrive, not just as athletes but as people.”
Taya’s love for sport began as a way to connect and challenge herself, but over the years, it has become something deeper. “Sport has always been my outlet, a space to belong and push myself,” she says. “It’s shaped how I lead, how I communicate, and how I show up for others. It’s never just been about performance, it’s about growth, resilience, and connection.”
When asked about standout moments, she smiles. “Winning the 2023 and 2025 premierships with our women’s firsts were definitely highlights, not just for the wins but for what they represented. Those seasons had ups and downs, but the belief and connection in our group never wavered. Watching them pull it together when it mattered most and seeing that pure joy at the final whistle, that’s what coaching is all about for me.”
Now, as the Women’s Head Coach at La Trobe University Hockey Club, Taya is focused on creating more than just strong teams. “Leadership for me is about creating space for others to step up, to learn, to fail safely, and to grow,” she reflects. “It’s taught me the power of empathy, communication, and staying grounded, especially when things get messy.”
When Taya joined the Empowered to Lead program, she wasn’t looking for another course. She was looking for a community. “I joined because I wanted to keep developing as a leader, not just in sport but in life,” she says. “I’d heard great things about the program and loved that it focused on women supporting women. I wanted to challenge myself and learn from others who were on similar paths.”
What she found surprised her. “I expected something really formal, but it was so much more reflective and personal. It gave me time and space to think about who I am as a leader, how I communicate, and the kind of impact I want to have. The conversations, stories, and self-reflection activities really stayed with me.”
One session that stood out most was the vision board workshop. “It made me slow down and really think about my why,” she says. “It wasn’t just about goals, it was about visualising what leadership means to me and the environment I want to create for others.”
Since completing the program, Taya has brought the lessons from Empowered to Lead straight back to her team. “One of the biggest tools I’ve taken on is above and below the line thinking,” she says. “It’s helped me recognise the language, body language, and energy that come with each mindset. I’ve used it a lot this season, especially when things get tense. Instead of ignoring it, I try to call it out and reset. It’s made a real difference in how we respond to setbacks and how we support each other.”
She has also learned that leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest voice in the room. “Sport has taught me that leadership is fluid. Sometimes you’re the one driving things, and other times you’re the one holding space,” she says. “People don’t remember every result, but they remember how you made them feel.”
As she looks to the future, Taya’s focus remains on empowering others. “I want to keep building inclusive programs and mentoring women to find their own leadership style,” she says. “Whether it’s in sport, community, or work, I want to keep learning, sharing, and helping create the kind of culture I wish I had earlier in my journey.”
For Taya, playing like a girl is about showing up fully and fearlessly. “To me, to Play Like a Girl means showing up unapologetically, leading with strength, kindness, and authenticity,” she says. “It’s about breaking down barriers, lifting others up, and rewriting what leadership looks like for women and girls.”
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