Developing Life Skills Through Sport
Wenona's sporting philosophy in action.
The 2025 sporting year at Wenona has commenced with characteristic enthusiasm and energy, as 67 teams took to fields, courts, and pools during the opening weekend of competition. This impressive participation reflects the School's commitment to offering diverse sporting opportunities through its 25 different sporting programs.
Director of Sport and Performance, Mr Tom Hill, set the tone for the year ahead during his address at the Senior School Assembly. Drawing on his extensive experience from previous roles at the NSW Institute of Sport and Water Polo Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, Mr Hill encouraged the girls with an underlying message – that the development of sporting skills can lead to lifelong success in their chosen fields.
"It was wonderful to see the spirit and energy last year with increased visible and vocal support, whether that was at a Friday night AFL game, Tildesley Tennis cheers or hearing the School song chanted at Term 3 grand finals," Mr Hill told the students, highlighting the vibrant sporting culture that has become a hallmark of the Wenona experience.
This culture of mutual encouragement has fostered remarkable participation rates across the School. "We have a strong history of high participation in sport, with more than 80% of you getting involved in some form of Wenona physical activity outside of curriculum requirements throughout the year. Many of you participate in sporting activities outside of School as well,” Mr Hill noted during his Assembly address.
However, as he explained during a previous Wenona Parent Education Program session, such engagement should never be taken for granted. "Despite Wenona's robust Sports program, we must remain focused on sustaining girls' participation in athletics through adolescence – a time when many historically step away from sport,” he cautioned.
This is despite the connection between academic and career success and sporting participation, having been well documented. A study from Ernst and Young Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ revealed that 94% of women in senior management positions at Fortune 500 companies played sport at school.
Even more relevant for students is the clear evidence linking sporting involvement with academic achievement during secondary school. "Over the past two years, Wenona has had 19 HSC All-rounders, 17 of whom played sport at Wenona throughout Year 12," Mr Hill told the students. "This means you too can maintain your regular sporting routine, especially in times of high stress, to ensure you are balanced and clear-minded for the next block of assessments and exams that come your way."
For parents wondering how to support their daughter’s sporting journey, Mr Hill has offered practical guidance. "The recommended amount of daily sport and exercise for young people aged five to 17 is at least 60 minutes each day and the evidence of its benefits is increasing. Yet research also shows it is becoming harder for busy families to ensure young people achieve this much exercise," he explained.
Family involvement proves crucial: "The data shows female adolescent sport engagement increases when both parents take an interest in their daughter's sporting journey. It is further enhanced when they exercise together."
Beyond participation, Mr Hill praised the way Wenona students approach their sporting endeavours. "The best thing about watching what you have all achieved over the past couple of years is the way you've gone about it and doing it Wenona’s way. We win well, we lose well, being respectful to all involved, giving three cheers to the opposition and umpires and walking off knowing you've given it all you can with great sportsmanship."
This approach builds valuable life skills, as Mr Hill explained to the assembled students: "Showing resilience, grit, being brave, and getting back up when you fall, not being selected in a team you want or having a tough loss … you dust yourself off, step back into the arena, and have another crack, that's what has led to many of you succeeding to date and what I love watching you do."
Looking ahead to another year of sporting achievement, Mr Hill expressed his enthusiasm to the students: "I can't wait to see you all make your mark and ensure that Wenona remains a sporting force to be reckoned with and wish you all the best for the year ahead."
Parents interested in supporting their daughters' sporting journeys can access additional resources on the . These include fact sheets and articles on a variety of topics, including:
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Through these resources and the School's comprehensive sporting program, Wenona continues its commitment to developing healthy habits and sporting excellence that will benefit students throughout their lives.