Conversations with christian athletes about what it takes to make it to the top of their chosen sport. Jason Colley discusses the sacrifices required, overcoming setbacks and challenges, as well as the influence of faith in their journey.
23. Zac Smith - Former Gold Coast Suns & Geelong Cats AFL Player
Growing up in Central Queensland, being an AFL footballer was probably the least likely path talented sportsman Zac Smith could have imagined he would find himself on. But after being signed as one of the Gold Coast Suns first contracted players and featuring in 124 matches across a career spanning more than a decade, the Biloela born ruckman retired as one of Queensland's greatest home grown players.
On this episode of the show, Zac reminisces on a playing career which saw him have a meteoric rise to fame after only playing his first game of Australian Rules football at 15. He shares about the mental battles he faced fighting injury, getting through tough times when the Suns first came into the competition and how his faith helped him overcome a series of challenges both on and off the field.
15 Oct 2023
22. Caitlin Bettenay - Australian Volleyball & Beach Volleyball representative
Caitlin Bettenay had a meteoric rise in the volleyball world, becoming the youngest player to make the Senior Australian Women’s team just three years after taking up the sport. A short time later, she found herself on a full scholarship to NCAA Division 1 Portland State University where she continued to excel and develop her craft. Wanting to explore opportunities to play beach volleyball, Caitlin made the switch in 2017 and hasn't looked back since, regularly featuring amongst the medals since claiming silver in her first appearance on the Australian National Tour.
Now also a regular on the international beach volleyball scene, the Sunshine Coast local shares about the crucial role her faith plays in her life, how hard she has had to work to reach the top and some of the valuable lessons she has learnt along the way.
Hard hitting Brisbane Heat and Qld Fire cricketer Ellie Johnston burst onto the scene in October 2022, with a devastating WBBL half century which propelled her side to victory against the Melbourne Stars. Still a teenager at the time, that innings saw her marked as one to watch, as she continues to develop her game and receive additional opportunities on the big stage.
On the eve of the 2023-24 Australian domestic cricket season, the rising star shares the unlikely story of how she started playing the game, what it's like playing with some of her heroes and just how far women's sport has come in recent years. She also speaks about the special bond she has with fellow state squad member Ruth - who happens to be her cousin - and the importance of her faith as a professional athlete.
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5.0 / 5
8 ratings
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