The next generation of female leaders in sport will take centre stage on Monday (2 February) when New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) celebrates the latest graduates of its Women in Sport Leadership (WISL) program.
The annual graduation dinner will be held at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence, Sydney Olympic Park, and hosted by leading Australian sports presenter Yvonne Sampson, celebrating 16 women from 10 different state sporting organisations who have completed the nationally recognised professional development program.
The 2025 cohort brings the total number of WISL graduates to 80 since the program was first launched as a pilot in 2021, reflecting NSWRL’s ongoing commitment to advancing women into leadership roles across the sporting landscape.
The specially designed 20-week program, delivered in conjunction with University of New England (UNE) Partnerships, equips participants with the skills, confidence and leadership capability to progress in coaching, administration and broader sport management roles.
NSWRL Chair Carolyn Campbell, Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz MP, Office of Sport Manager Partnerships and Participation Kerry Turner, UNE Partnerships Chief Executive Ben Gilmore, Holman Barnes Group Chief Executive Daniel Paton and Chief Commercial Officer Michelle Nielsen, along with CEOs and senior managers from participating sporting organisations, will attend the intimate dinner to celebrate the graduates’ achievements.
Participants represented a wide range of sports, including Rugby League (NSWRL, Penrith Panthers, Canberra Raiders, Central Coast Roosters Rugby League and Hunter Junior Rugby League), Gymnastics NSW, Diving NSW, Northern NSW Football, Surf Life Saving NSW, Water Polo NSW, Athletics NSW, Volleyball NSW, Hockey NSW and NSW Ultimate.
The program, funded by the NSWRL with support from the Holman Barnes Group in 2025, blends online learning, face-to-face workshops and individual coaching to build core leadership competencies such as emotional intelligence, communication strategies and professional confidence.
Graduates complete two Diploma and Certificate level units that will give them credit towards entry to a Diploma or Certificate IV in Leadership and Management should they wish to pursue further studies.
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said the organisation was proud to support the program and its growing impact across sport.
“NSWRL is genuinely committed to supporting the advancement of women in the sporting landscape, not just within our own Rugby League community, but across all sports,” Trodden said.
“The Women in Sport Leadership program provides a unique opportunity for learning, professional growth, connection and cross-sport collaboration, and the feedback from participants and their CEOs continues to show that it makes a real difference.
“We believe you can’t be what you can’t see, and having women in leadership roles across sport helps strengthen the entire industry.”
In recognition of the program’s continued success, the NSWRL Women in Sport Leadership Alumni network was launched in December 2025, bringing together graduates from across the program’s first four years, including the 2021 pilot, to provide ongoing opportunities for connection, mentoring and professional development beyond the formal course.
Notable WISL graduates include Westpac NSW Blues Women’s assistant coach and Nine commentator Ruan Sims, the first female Chair of the NSW Community Rugby Leagues Association Kristie Laird, and NSWRL match official Kara-Lee Nolan.
