SOAR - Fourth Edition

PAGE 4 Fiona Sessarago’s journey from a JPC student to Head of Women’s Football at the Gold Coast SUNS has been a remarkable one. Fiona’s time at the College was characterised by busy days and many activities, the perfect environment for her to discover her love for sports and science. Fiona started at JPC in Year 8 in 1990, and even now, she has fantastic memories of her time at the College. “Great friends, sports, camps – every opportunity was provided to us as students,” she says. She also credits the College for providing her with the opportunity to be involved in a variety of activities; the band in the early years, and a plethora of sports such as basketball, athletics, cross country, swimming, softball and football dominated her time. Fiona held special positions as a Prefect and Athletics Captain, and her involvement in co-curricular activities sparked her love for coaching and working with others, which would both become valuable later in her career. After finishing her studies at JPC, Fiona pursued her interests in sport and science, completing a Bachelor of Exercise Science at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. While studying, she coached basketball and athletics and became involved in surf lifesaving. Her love for sports ultimately led her to a career in the Australian Football League (AFL) where she worked as a development officer with AFL Queensland, heavily involved in the growth of AFL in Queensland and the growth of women’s AFL across the country. While working in the AFL industry, she complemented her work experience with a Master of Sport Management and a Master of Sports Coaching. Fiona’s most notable accomplishment, to date, was when she became the Head of Women’s Football at the Gold Coast SUNS in October 2018. As the first person appointed to lead the AFL Women’s (AFLW) program before the club entered the AFLW competition in 2020, Fiona played a crucial role in assembling a dedicated team of staff and players for the SUNS, while strategically shaping the women’s program. Fiona’s passion for the growth of women’s sports extends beyond her role at the SUNS. She coached various girls’ representative teams, witnessing firsthand the progression and achievement of players and staff, both on and off the field. Fiona takes pride in the fact that there is now a clear pathway for females in AFL, from the introductory level with AFL Auskick right through to the professional AFLW competition. Outside of her career, Fiona has dedicated herself to surf lifesaving for over 20 years and is a life member of Nobby’s Beach Surf Life Saving Club. A crew member of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter for over 15 years, she also achieved her ASA Aircrew/Winch Operator qualification during her time there. Fiona credits the College for providing her with the opportunity to discover her interests and pursue her passions. “My parents always encouraged me to pursue the things I enjoyed; sport and science were the pathways I followed through senior studies and on to university,” she says. She remembers several teachers and coaches, most notably Susan Gahan (HPE teacher and athletics) and Jeff Henderson (basketball), for their instrumental roles in shaping her journey. Fiona’s accomplishments are a testament to her passion, determination and the fundamentals she learnt at JPC. After her efforts in breaking barriers in the AFL and creating pathways for female athletes, Fiona looks forward to the exciting future of women’s sports. Class of 1994 Head of Women’s Football at the Gold Coast SUNS Fiona Sessarago (née McLarty)