No two journeys are identical in the world of sport.  This has been demonstrated by the inaugural cohort of the Sydney Swans and the International Sport College Australia (ISCA) newly formed Diploma of Sports Management (High Performance) at the Sellers & Colless Centre, Sydney Swans HQ, who have excelled in all aspects over the year-long course.  

Over the course of the next three weeks, we will be shining a light on students who have progressed through the diploma and have now acquired positions within the club, with the intention to highlight their unique story and journey, their connection to sport and how studying the diploma has opened new doors for their futures.  

Kate Rooke was the first ever student to enrol in the diploma and has since gone on to join the commercial team within the Swans with a specific focus on student experience come 2027. From not having any idea what she was going to do leaving high school to now in her dream job, Kate has loved every minute of her time at the Swans. 

“I think I remember a couple years ago, actually, I was at the SCG, and one of my friends worked [at the Swans], and I was like, wow, that's actually a dream job,” Rooke said.  

“Now I'm sitting here working here, it's actually surreal.” 

Finishing high school in a world that was just coming out of the Covid-19 lockdowns, Kate had very little idea about her next steps and had no real connection with AFL growing up outside of her twin sister who played the sport.  

“Growing up we always wanted to be a little bit different, a little bit separate. So, she did AFL, and I was more of a netball and the dancer,” Rooke said 

After a gap year and travelling around the world, Kate returned home and joined her sister and began to play AFL, which then led to her following the sport more closely and picking up a casual job at the SCG. It is through that casual job that Kate found a love for events and quickly realised she could bring her love for sports with her.  

“I kind of just prolonged until I was ready. Then once I did settle into AFL and stuff like that, I think I kind of realised that I do like sport more than just playing it,” Rooke said 

“I had an interest in events, and then sport came and then two merged. I found myself finally.” 

Kate has excelled in all aspects of the diploma and has been surprised with how much she has grown, but also how much the club has welcomed her and her classmates.  

“In this course, I'm able to go up to people and chat and have the confidence to speak up in class or at matchdays and ask questions,” Rooke said. 

“I think just being a part of the culture here can absolutely teach you way more than any class would.” 

With less than two months remaining in the diploma, Kate has begun a new role working in the commercial team, joining two other students to progress into roles throughout the club. 

“I work with a small team of three, and we focus on venue hire in the commercial side of the business,” Rooke said.  

“Then also separately next year, moving forward, my role will be more in student experience and developing the diploma, which is very exciting.” 

Kate is hoping to advance the students' overall experience within the club and get them even more hands-on, with more practicals and interaction in the high-performance space.  

When asked about what has shocked her the most about the course, Kate spoke highly about her time as a student as she now progresses into the wider Swans family.  

“The whole thing definitely has surprised me. I mean, eight months ago I wasn't even enrolled, and now I've got a job here,” Rooke said 

“It's not a foot in the door. It's like you're through the door!” 

Interested in exploring a career in sport?  

CLICK HERE for more information about the course and enrolment for next year’s cohort or email diploma@sydneyswans.com.au