Tori has always been in motion. Whether on the court, coaching from the sidelines, or mentoring others in the community, sport has shaped every chapter of her story.
“My name is Tori, and I’m 28 years old. Sport has always been a cornerstone of my life, shaping who I am and inspiring me along the way,” she says. “Growing up, I immersed myself in both netball and basketball, competing across various levels. Over time, netball became my standout sport as I earned spots on more teams and progressed through the Victorian Netball Pathway.”
“I’ve been fortunate enough to represent my state on multiple occasions. Recently, I’ve shifted my focus to playing and coaching at a local level, where I can continue sharing my love for the game.”
Tori describes herself as a go-getter—driven, motivated, and always pushing her limits—but she’s just as committed to fostering joy and connection through sport. “I also value the importance of having fun and building strong relationships with those around me.”
Tori’s journey into sport wasn’t without hesitation.
“I was always an incredibly active kid. My parents couldn’t tire me out, but I was also really anxious and hesitant about joining team sports,” she explains. “So my mum just did it for me—she signed me up for basketball and threw me onto the court without telling me.”
It was a turning point.
“Once I pushed past the fear, there was no turning back. I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Sport became her outlet, her anchor, and eventually, her community. “It’s taught me so much—respect, time management, resilience, and determination—but most of all, it’s connected me with some of the best people I’ve ever known. It’s where I’ve always felt a sense of belonging.”
After a recent ADHD diagnosis, Tori gained even more clarity around the role sport has played in her life.
“It’s helped me manage my energy and focus in ways I hadn’t realised before. It’s been a lifeline for my mental health and wellbeing.”
Now, she works in sport, helping break down barriers so that more young people can engage in physical activity. “I’m passionate about ensuring everyone has the chance to experience what sport can offer.”
In her early twenties, Tori stepped away from netball, convinced her time was up. “I thought I couldn’t succeed at it anymore. I’d mentally checked out.”
Then came a second chance. After the COVID lockdowns, she returned to the game—stronger and more determined than ever.
“At 25, I earned a place on the Victorian Fury team. I had actually made the team in 2020, but we didn’t get to compete because of the pandemic.”
This time, she embraced every moment.
“Through determination, hard work, and sacrifice, I got back to playing at a high level. I was proud to be a key player throughout the tournament. We didn’t win the grand final, but I left knowing I had contributed fully. My family and friends were there. It was a proud moment.”
Tori never thought of herself as a leader—at least not in the traditional sense.
“I grew up thinking leaders had to be loud and dominant. That wasn’t me.”
But something changed.
“Over time, people around me started turning to me for guidance. That made me realise that leadership looks different for everyone.”
Tori has since captained her local netball club for seven years and coached for four. “Through those experiences—and through this program—I’ve learned that leadership is about showing up as your true self. It’s about leading in a way that feels right for you.”
Tori joined the Empowered to Lead program as part of a personal growth journey.
“Last year, I focused on discovering who I am. This year, my focus is on thriving—on learning, evolving, and continuing to grow as a person, a leader, and a friend.”
Her manager introduced her to the program, and the timing couldn’t have been better. “I applied straight away. I saw it as a chance to build confidence and grow.”
She’d been through a leadership course before that left her feeling unseen and overwhelmed. This one was different.
“This program didn’t just meet my expectations—it exceeded them. It gave me the space, tools, and encouragement to develop as a leader and connect with inspiring women. I finally felt like I belonged in the room.”
One experience early in the course left a lasting impact.
“I realised I’m a great person with strong values and strengths that matter. I used to doubt myself. I’d focus on all the reasons I couldn’t do something. I’d get stuck in shame.”
But something shifted. “This program held up a mirror to who I really am. I’m loving, empathetic, passionate, and fun. I’ve learned to speak kindly to myself and back myself. That mindset shift has been huge for my confidence.”
A key concept that stuck with Tori was the Five Levels of Leadership—especially Level Four, which focuses on developing other leaders.
“It helped me realise I want to be the kind of leader who lifts others. I’ve started putting that into practice already.”
She recently brought the idea back to her netball club.
“We’re now actively looking for women who may not see their own potential yet and giving them encouragement and opportunities to grow. It’s already changing how I lead and why I lead.”
“Sport has taught me how to understand people. Everyone has their own communication style. Some people want straight talk. Others avoid confrontation.”
Tori now applies that understanding in everyday life. “I take the time to observe and adapt to what others need. That’s helped me become a better leader and person.”
What does she hope for the future of sport?
“I want young girls to grow up truly believing in themselves. I want them to stop doubting their worth and see how capable they are.”
And for herself?
“I want to keep playing netball and work toward coaching at a higher level. I want to keep learning and growing, and most of all, I want to be a role model. I want to help others find belonging and confidence in themselves too.”
“I am a girl. Strong, powerful, passionate. Also loving, kind, and empathetic. To me, playing like a girl is about embracing exactly who I am. It’s about showing up with authenticity, and knowing that’s more than enough.”
At Play Like a Girl, we believe that leadership is not just about the loudest voice in the room. It’s about showing up as yourself and making space for others to do the same. Tori does that with grace, courage, and conviction.
We are so proud to celebrate her as part of the Play Like a Girl Member Spotlight Series 2025.
.png){kind=icon}
.png)
.png)
.png)
.avif)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
