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Episode Summary:

In this reflective and deeply human conversation, Ian Hawkins is joined by Jade Heinrich to explore identity beyond sport and what happens when performance is no longer the sole measure of worth. Drawing on her journey as an elite athlete, coach, curriculum designer, and wellbeing lead across netball, AFL, and high-performance environments, Jade shares how injury, non-selection, and burnout forced her to confront a powerful question: Who am I outside of competition? Her lived experience now shapes her work supporting athletes to build self-awareness, resilience, and a sense of self that isn’t dictated by results.

The episode dives into athlete wellbeing, emotional suppression in sport, and why true resilience includes vulnerability, communication, and support. Jade reflects on pivotal moments that changed her path, the importance of safe environments for athletes and parents, and how guidance without control leads to stronger performance and healthier people. The conversation also expands into parenting, female pathways in sport, and embracing diversity in how athletes learn, lead, and thrive. A must-listen for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone navigating life beyond the scoreboard.

About the Guest:

Jade Heinrich

Jade Heinrich is an experienced sports professional with a diverse background in coaching, program management, and content development, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to every project she undertakes. With expertise in netball, she has coached at the elite level, building high-performing teams and nurturing top-tier talent. Her commitment to continuous development extends beyond coaching, having also developed comprehensive course content and curriculum aimed at elevating coaching standards and player development.

In addition to her coaching career, Jade has held leadership roles, including as Director of Inspire Netball Group, where she led initiatives to drive growth and innovation. Her experience spans multiple sports disciplines, having worked on the World Tennis Tour, where she tailored programs to enhance athletes' performance and growth off the court. Jade has also played AFL and netball at elite levels, providing her with valuable insights into the demands of sport at the highest levels. This unique combination of hands-on athletic experience and strategic leadership allows her to craft winning programs that align with both athlete and organizational goals.

Recently, Jade has expanded her expertise into the elite athlete wellbeing and development space, working closely with athletes to ensure they thrive both physically and mentally. Understanding the challenges that come with high-performance sports, she focuses on building holistic programs that address the mental, emotional, and physical needs of athletes, ensuring long-term success and sustainable careers.

Here’s what you can expect from Jade:

1. Creativity: She thrives in collaborative settings, whether working with like-minded individuals or those who challenge her views. Jade loves brainstorming innovative ideas together.

2. Facilitation: For Jade, it’s not just about her, it's about the team. She focuses on harnessing combined strengths to accomplish great things.

3. Care: People are her priority. Jade is dedicated to supporting others in becoming their best selves and will stand by them throughout their journey.

Links:/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-heinrich/?originalSubdomain=au

Website: https://www.inspirenetballgroup.com/

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

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Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

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