Member Spotlight: Tegan McHamilton

Tegan McHamilton grew up in a home where sport was part of the rhythm of everyday life. With a dad who played basketball and baseball, she found her place on the field early and never stopped chasing the moments that made her feel connected, brave and part of something bigger. What makes her story inspiring is the way she has turned that childhood love of sport into leadership, community and purpose.

Tegan first stepped into sport as a kid, jumping into tee ball, school carnivals and any team she could find. She says sport pushed her out of her comfort zone and helped her build friendships that still matter today. Her world opened even more when she found football in twenty seventeen. She remembers her very first game clearly, 'All my family came to watch, and I finished in the top six best players for the match. That moment gave me a huge sense of pride and confidence. It showed me that I belonged in the sport and had something to offer.' From that day, football became a place where she could grow and lead with confidence.

Leadership came naturally to Tegan. She joined leadership groups across several football teams and is now the co-captain of her local side. She has coached football, softball and netball for high school students, something she describes as one of the most rewarding parts of her journey. Leading by example, communicating clearly and building a culture where everyone feels supported are the lessons she carries with her. Coaching showed her how powerful patience and encouragement can be. It also taught her how to bring out the best in others both on the field and in everyday life.

When Tegan joined the Empowered to Lead program, she was ready for the next step. She wanted to strengthen her confidence and grow into the kind of leader she knew she could be. She says she expected practical leadership skills and direction, but the experience gave her so much more. Being surrounded by strong women who were open, supportive and inspiring made the program even more powerful. One moment stood out more than anything. Exploring our DiSC profiles was eye opening. 'Understanding why I communicate and lead the way I do helped me see myself more clearly.'

The program helped Tegan understand her natural leadership style and taught her how to adapt it to support different people. Learning her DiSC profile showed her how she works under pressure and how she can use her strengths with more intention. It also pushed her to speak up, trust her instincts and back herself. She says the program gave her the tools, self-awareness and belief she needed. 'It helped me step out of my comfort zone and practise using my voice in a safe and supportive space.'

She uses those lessons daily. One example that stands out is how she now applies her own DiSC profile and the profiles of others when coaching or leading her football team. Understanding how people think and communicate has helped her connect more effectively and lead with empathy and clarity.

Sport continues to shape who Tegan is becoming. She says it taught her that success is never about one person. It is about lifting the people around you, staying resilient and leading with consistency. These lessons show up in her decisions, relationships and the way she approaches challenges across all parts of her life.

Looking ahead, Tegan hopes for a future where women and girls feel supported, encouraged and valued in every sporting environment. She wants more pathways, more mentorship and more opportunities for young girls to see themselves as leaders. Her own plans reflect that same drive. She wants to keep stepping into leadership roles, building confidence and helping others reach their potential. My goal is to lead with purpose and create spaces where others feel empowered to succeed.

When she reflects on what it means to Play Like a Girl, her answer is simple and powerful. 'Playing like a girl is playing with pride, purpose and power.'
To her, it means showing strength, resilience and confidence in everything she does on the field, in leadership and in life.

Tegan’s story embodies what PlayLike a Girl stands for. When women lead with courage, connection and belief in themselves, they change not only their own paths but the paths of everyone who follows.

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