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We ask people living the dream:
“How did you get your job?” and “What does it actually involve?”
So that you can land a dream job in sports too.

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"Running across the MCG with a mascot in the rain—it’s those surreal moments that remind me why I chose this industry." - Billie Lewis

Meet Billie Lewis, the Strength and Conditioning Lead at the Dandenong Stingrays.

Billie’s role involves managing the physical development of young athletes to ensure they’re ready to excel on game days. With her knack for building rapport and meticulous attention to detail, Billie has earned her place as a trusted leader at the Stingrays.

Before this, Billie worked at St Kilda Football Club in Membership and later transitioned into coaching through persistence and strategic networking. Her journey from a sport management diploma to an exercise science degree and now working with elite athletes is filled with valuable lessons for aspiring sports professionals unsure which direction to take.

If you’re curious about breaking into high-performance roles or want to learn how to navigate the world of sports while building confidence, this is a story you’ll want to explore.

🔥 Quickfire Questions

1. What inspired you to work in sport? 

   My love for sport—playing, watching, and just being around it. It’s always been my passion.

2. What was your first ever sports-related role? 

   A fan engagement officer at Richmond, where I once ran across the MCG holding a mascot’s hand in the rain!

3. After high school, what study did you do? 

   I completed a dual diploma at the Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership and later a Bachelor of Exercise Sport Science majoring in Strength and Conditioning at Deakin University.

4. What’s one interview question you were asked for your current job? 

   “Tell us about a challenging situation and how you handled it.”

5. A book or podcast recommendation? 

   Emily Ratajkowski’s My Body—I love how her journey reveals resilience and determination.

6. If you could try another job in sport for a day, what would it be? Either being an Olympic gold medalist or taking on Nicole Livingston’s role in women’s sport advocacy.

🔥 Quickfire Journey

1. Passion for Aussie Rules Football – Started playing local footy in 2015 when opportunities for women in the sport began to expand.

2. Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership – Completed dual diplomas in Sports Development and Leadership, gaining exposure to the professional sports world.

3. Internships and Membership Roles – Built experience through roles at Richmond Football Club and later at St Kilda, where she contributed to fan engagement and operational tasks.

4. Breaking into Strength and Conditioning – Transitioned into high-performance sports after graduating with a major in Strength and Conditioning from Deakin University.

5. Persistence Through Challenges – Balanced casual roles and volunteer work while navigating rejections and networking to build her career.

6. Landing at Dandenong Stingrays – Secured a role as the Strength and Conditioning Lead, where she applies her expertise to prepare young athletes for success.

💬 Quotes from Billie

"I’ve always loved sport, and being able to turn that passion into my career is a dream come true."

"Running across the MCG with a mascot in the rain—it’s those surreal moments that remind me why I chose this industry."

"Networking was the game-changer for me—every conversation opened doors."

"From starting out as a fan engagement officer to leading strength and conditioning, it’s been a wild ride!"

"Sports can be demanding, but every setback taught me something I needed to succeed."

"I found my career path by being curious and saying yes to every opportunity."

"The camaraderie of working in sport is unmatched—being part of a team fuels me every day."

"Stepping onto the MCG with my favourite club gave me chills—dreams really do come true."

"Helping young athletes recover and thrive is what gets me up in the morning."

"Persistence is key; every rejection was just a step closer to the right opportunity."

Career Journey: How did Billie get here?

Billie’s journey into sports has been defined by resilience, determination, and a love for teamwork. Her experiences highlight the importance of saying yes to opportunities and turning setbacks into stepping stones.

Early Passion for Sports

Billie’s love for sports began in 2015, playing local footy and balancing her interest in sports science. She was deeply inspired by the sense of community and the physical challenge the sport offered. Despite flunking her ATAR in high school, Billie’s passion for sport remained unwavering, guiding her to seek a career in sport. Her passion deepened as she pursued dual diplomas at the Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership, exposing her to practical and theoretical foundations in sport.

Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership

After a self-directed search through emails from her high school career counsellor, Billie discovered the Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership. The program, affiliated with Richmond Football Club and Swinburne University, offered her the chance to study a dual diploma in Sports Development and Leadership. Once in a professional sporting environment, Billie quickly realised the value of networking, seizing every opportunity to gain practical experience and develop skills. One memorable moment she mentions was meeting AFL legend Dustin Martin during a lecture—an experience that made her dream feel closer to reality.

Gaining Practical Experience

While studying, Billie took on various placements, including fan engagement officer roles, mascot management, and supporting the events team at Richmond Football Club. These roles gave her invaluable exposure to operations behind the scenes of a professional football club. She credits her mentors at the Institute for encouraging her to dive into as many placements as possible, helping her build a diverse skill set early in her career.

Challenges and Personal Growth

The pandemic posed significant hurdles for Billie, delaying elective surgery she needed for a football injury. Despite these challenges, she continued to push forward, balancing a retail job at Woolworths with her studies. The experience reinforced her determination to make a difference in sports, especially in supporting other young athletes in overcoming injuries—something she wished she had during her own recovery.

Transition to High-Performance Roles

After completing her diploma at Richmond Institute, Billie completed a Bachelor of Exercise Sport Science majoring in Strength and Conditioning at Deakin University, earning accreditation with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association. This step marked a turning point in her career. Recognising the importance of building rapport with athletes, she began working closely with young players to understand their physical and emotional needs.

Breaking into Professional Roles

Billie’s first paid role in sport was at St Kilda Football Club, working with the Membership team. Despite starting in an entry-level position, Billie sought out ways to network within the organisation. She volunteered to assist other departments, including the Saints Academy, where her passion and expertise caught the attention of leadership. By consistently demonstrating her value, she transitioned into a coaching role with the Academy.

Landing at Dandenong Stingrays

Networking played a crucial role in Billie’s move to the Dandenong Stingrays. After meeting the coach through her work at the Saints Academy, Billie was invited to join the Stingrays as the Strength and Conditioning Lead. Her responsibilities now include designing training programs, monitoring player performance using GPS data, and managing injury prevention strategies. Her ability to connect with players and communicate effectively has become a cornerstone of her leadership style.

Lessons from the Journey

Billie’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability and proactive networking. By taking every opportunity and building meaningful relationships, she navigated setbacks and carved a fulfilling career in high-performance sports. Her journey is an inspiring example for anyone aiming to break into the competitive world of sports.

Her advice to aspiring professionals is clear: stay curious, invest in relationships, and trust that every setback is just part of the journey toward success.

Role Overview: What does ‘Strength and Conditioning Lead’ actually involve?

Billie’s role is diverse, requiring a balance of scientific precision, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills. Here’s a breakdown:

Key Responsibilities:

Athlete Development and Planning: Billie designs individualised strength and conditioning programs tailored to the specific needs of players, considering their physical attributes and positions. For instance, a key part of her role is determining load progression during pre-season training, ensuring athletes build endurance and strength without risking injury.

Injury Management and Prevention: Using data from GPS trackers, Billie identifies players who may be overtraining or at risk of injury. She collaborates with physiotherapists to implement recovery protocols, such as reduced load sessions or targeted exercises to strengthen weak areas. An example includes managing rehabilitation plans for players returning from ACL injuries.

Game Day Operations: On match days, Billie oversees player warm-ups, ensuring they’re physically and mentally prepared for the game. She also manages real-time player rotation using GPS data, ensuring optimal performance and recovery during the match. Her decisions often involve live coordination with coaches to adjust strategies based on player feedback.

Data Monitoring and Analysis: Billie tracks performance metrics such as distance covered, sprint speeds, and workload ratios. This data is critical for adjusting training intensity and preventing burnout. During high-stakes matches, she uses this information to advise coaches on when players might need rest or substitution.

Building Rapport and Mentorship: Working closely with athletes, especially young ones, Billie fosters trust and open communication. She often serves as a mentor, offering advice not just about training but also about balancing school, sport, and personal well-being. Her ability to connect helps players feel supported and motivated.

Collaboration with Coaches and Staff: Billie maintains open lines of communication with the head coach, medical team, and well-being officers to align on strategies for team performance and individual care. A recent collaboration involved setting up tailored pre-game routines based on player preferences and performance trends.

Questions asked by Members

1. How did you land your first paid job in sport?

2. What’s the best networking strategy you’ve used?

3. How do you build rapport with young athletes?

4. How does your strength and conditioning work impact game performance?

5. What advice do you have for balancing work, study, and internships?

6. What’s been your biggest challenge working in high-performance sports?

7. How do you stay motivated during setbacks?

8. Can you share a “Pinch Me” moment from your career?

9. How do you plan training sessions for diverse athlete needs?

10. What’s next for you in your career?

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