Lexie Combined her Love of Sport and Work

Lexie Combined her Love of Sport and Work

Lexie’s path to her current role at a school has been unconventional yet really fulfilling. Her journey reflects her adaptability and passion for sport and her love for working at Mount Lilydale Mercy College.

The biggest change I’ve ever made in my life was leaving the Kmart job that I was in for three years. It was secure and life was just easier after year 12. I was like, I needed to change something and this traineeship has been amazing with so many opportunities!

Sport Trainee, Lexie Shaw spent her high school years at Billanook College and initially considered a future far removed from education.

I got accepted into an architecture course at Melbourne University, but after year 12,
I needed a change.

Searching for more change propelled her to explore other opportunities.

I just started looking at any option and I found this traineeship online.

Avid sports person and Collingwood Football Club supporter, landing the role;

…seemed too good to be true.

Initially, Lex applied to a different school, but circumstances led her to her current position.

It all happened so fast. Within a week, I was hired, quit my other job and started here.

Last week was busy with Webby away at camp, but it was good because I ran all the sports activities for the entire week. In the past, it had only been for a day or two, so it was nice to experience the full workload and experience how everything is managed.

Lexie’s supervisor, Danielle Webb (Director of Sport), fondly known as “Webby,” praises her contributions.

We just came back from camp, so Lexie was acting Head of Sport all last week!

Lexie’s transition into the role has been significant.

It’s been really good. I now coach basketball at the school, which I love. We’ve had three games with no wins yet, but it’s fine.

She finds joy in the daily interactions and the positive environment, along with studying for her Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation.

It’s very positive and I love coming to work!

The traineeship has also broadened Lexie’s horizons.

I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned at work is how much of a small world it is.

Connections within the school community and beyond have enriched her experience. She recounts a visit to her old high school,

I spent two and a half hours there just talking to people and helping out with volleyball.

[Photo with fellow Trainee Olivia Gardeniers]

Lexie’s role demands significant organisational skills, especially in managing sports events.

The amount of people you have to contact in a week of sport is incredible. You’ve got to speak to umpires, venues, opposition, book buses and organise teachers.

This behind-the-scenes work has given her a newfound appreciation for the complexities of running school sports.

Lexie excels at talking to people on the phone. She handles situations confidently and effectively, even when calls end abruptly. Her ability to communicate clearly and professionally has been honed through her traineeship experience.

Recently, Lexie was told that she has a good yelling voice. One day, with students waiting for their sports activities, she needed to call them in. Without much warning, she raised her voice to direct the students inside. A teacher nearby was impressed by her powerful yelling voice. Despite joking that she’d lose her voice by the end of the day, Lexie managed to effectively communicate and organise the students.

Despite the initial challenges, Lexie’s enthusiasm and adaptability have made her a valuable member of the MLMC school community. Her story shows life’s unexpected paths and the rewards of embracing new opportunities with an open mind and a positive attitude.

The traineeship is probably the biggest change I’ve ever made in my life, but it’s been amazing.

I actually want to come to work, and that makes all the difference.


Mount Lilydale Mercy College is a long-time partner with AFL SportsReady. Together we’ve been shaping the futures of Trainees and making a lasting impact for over 20 years.

With over 29 years of experience providing quality job opportunities and launching the careers of thousands of young Australians. AFL SportsReady offers diverse and thrilling opportunities that could take your career to the next level.