In the beginning
When I first started at Deakin in 2018, I gravitated towards my area of comfort, sport. Swimming is where I feel at home, having already competed at the University Nationals, representing Monash University, I sought to do the same with Deakin. Initially I was saddened to find out Deakin had not entered a swim team over recent years. Seeking to change this, I contacted the Sports Operation Manager, Sheridan Nicol. With my passion for swimming and a desire to compete and represent Deakin, I was soon appointed Team Manager. This initial step seemed natural, however, thinking retrospectively it provided me with opportunities and experiences to further my skills as a leader require; clear communication, organisation, and teamwork. The opportunity to see other leaders in action ignited a driving force within me, a burning desire to be further involved in the leadership space.
Team Manager
I felt so honoured to be provided with such as amazing opportunity but was also nervous to be the leader of a team that I was going to have to establish myself. At the time I reassured myself of my incredible time management and organisational abilities to get me through, both critical elements of a leader. I was able to create and lead a small group of 4 amazing girls and myself to the Gold Coast and represented Deakin at University Nationals coming away with one girl bringing home an individual medal. This was an amazing first effort.
As team manager I wanted to create a team with an inclusive and competitive culture because I enjoy the aspect of how sport can bring people together as one. By promoting a culture that places equal emphasis on team chemistry in/out of the pool, my leadership was aimed at not only sport, but the interconnectedness of the group intellectually. This is something I wanted to continue to foster during my time as a leader.
In order to establish the team, it took working collaboratively with Deakin sporting staff to advertise the team through Deakin’s social channels. I was then tasked to filter through the best candidates to represent Deakin University and myself as the team manager. I believe a great leader requires teamwork as it develops a sense of comradery as you work toward a common goal. Teamwork builds morale. I was able to harness these skills to produce a great first year of swimming and have been able to continue this throughout my 4 year role.
The high retention rate, enthusiastic participation and enormous growth of the team members has been a privilege to experience and a testament to my leadership.
In 2019, the structure of University Nationals underwent some changes where swimming became its own national event held at Sydney Olympic Park. I had a goal of getting more swimmers than the previous and was able to get a team of 7 including myself. I also had to step up as a leader for the team as no Deakin staff were attending, it was all me. I utilised my organisational skills, as well as my kindness and passion for swimming to ensure that all team members were looked after, and everything ran smoothly. As a team, we made the event successful. This competition brought a real chance to form friendships and unite in our push to achieve competitive results. It was enhanced by the fact that we, the Deakin Dragons, were one, a family, students who all shared mutual experiences through studying at Deakin University. This was an important element to my leadership as it allowed for me to know the members of the team on a personal level, not just as the ‘team captain’. I was in a position where I could genuinely seek feedback from the main body I was representing, something invaluable in my quest to showcase the views of the entire group.
2020 and 2021 were challenging years for all. Sport participation was decimated. The road ahead was not clear, aside from the lack of opportunities to physically engage, many individuals struggled mentally with the lack of connectivity. This challenged me as a leader but also provide a great growth opportunity. I was able to step up to the task and I reached out to my team, provided my contact details, and checked in on individuals. Leadership is about stepping up when things are tough, and I was able to emerge as the leader I knew I could be.
UniSport Australia
I had self-belief that I was capable of leading, but I was not yet sure whether others thought the same. It was a ‘leap of faith’ that resulted in me being chosen as the UniSport Australia Student Advisory Board (2022). This was a carefully measured decision that I considered for a long time. Was I ready? Did I have the necessary skills to achieve what I envisioned? I now know the answer was yes, but at the time I had to trust myself and step into the unfamiliar.
I was ecstatic to be contacted by the Sports Operations Coordinator, Sheridan Nicol who informed me that Deakin University staff had noticed my leadership skills during my soon to be 5 years as team manager. It was here where I was asked to represent Deakin University as the student on the UniSport Australia’s student advisory board ‘in recognition of my exceptional growth in leadership’. I was given the opportunity to attend the UniSport Australia conference that was held in Sydney to begin this journey through networking and the importance of connection when it comes to leadership.
Although I had already led a team, I had gained a personal awareness to the fact that I would need to adapt my leadership style to work within UniSport Australia. I understood I needed a newfound confidence and drive to ensure others would approve of my style of leadership. My intentions were to be someone who was approachable, a friendly face and a leader that people felt open and confident to talk to.
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Importance of reflection
Looking back on my journey thus far, I was more involved with the decision-making process at a team level as a TM. I have learnt so much through having this role. It has provided me an opportunity to push myself outside my comfort zone which in the past has been foreign to me. I have had to adapt to constantly evolving situations that have been thrown at me and it takes an admirable leader to be able to do that. I have been exposed to both leading from within and leading from the front in relation to the Team Managers.
The journey I had been on really highlighted the impact of my leadership and had created an awareness in others of my potential moving forward. Reflecting on this, my maturity, ability to connect to others, and confidence in achieving goals was what attracted others to my distinctive style of leadership.
Team Member Feedback
Renee was great at making sure everyone was happy and comfortable the whole time we were away. Great communication and awareness of everyone’s feeling
Maaike Vrij
Renee’s leadership is one that sets an example for the rest of the team. She is extremely organised and always across everything that may and could happen at any time as well as always willing to make changes to accommodate the needs of the team.
Isabella Symons
"In many ways sport sets the rhythm for every human being to become a leader in their own right"