MEET COACH SIMONE!

Simone’s passion for sports began early, starting with Auskick and continuing through Saturday morning Wildcat Club sessions, which led to her playing basketball with the Eltham Wildcats. By the time she was 15, she had experienced high-level competition, including the Friday night VC league, which introduced her to the intensity of four-quarter games with a shot clock.

However, during her adolescent years, Simone took a break from sports as she navigated personal challenges. Reflecting on that time, she realises how much she would have benefited from a mentor to help guide her through it. Simone showcased her natural leadership abilities as the Activities Captain in year 12, where she honed her organisational and leadership skills. Simone completed her VCE and graduated in 2014.

Following high school, Simone took a gap year, working full-time and learning valuable life skills. Her passion for travel led her to America, where she discovered a love for photography. She began working with children, capturing their joy through the lens and memories that last forever. Since 2018, Simone has been deeply connected to working with kids, contributing to her personal and professional growth.

Wanting to align her career with her purpose, Simone pursued a diploma in Sports Management through Richmond Football Club and Swinburne Institute, further enhancing her knowledge in the field.

In 2021, Simone returned to her own athletic pursuits, joining Montmorency’s women’s development football team, where her defensive skills helped the team win the minor premiership in an undefeated season. Simone made her Senior Women’s team debut in 2022, establishing herself as a key player in the backline. By 2023, she was part of Montmorency’s premiership-winning team. 

In 2024, Simone became part of the Senior Womens leadership team and felt the call to give back to the next generation, volunteering as an assistant coach for Montmorency’s U12 girls' team. Her guidance and mentorship helped lead the team to a grand final appearance.

Simone also has played in many week night Basketball competitions with friends winning multiple grand finals in an all girls team and mixed basketball team in the DV and Eltham comps. Simone currently still plays in a Monday night team and has been an assistant coach for an U14 girls Basketball team at the end of 2024. 

Simone has been appointed as the Head Coach for the U14/1 Girls Basketball team in 2025. In addition to this role, she is also the Assistant Coach for the U15 Girls AFL Vic Metro NFNL Representative Football Team, bringing her expertise and passion for developing young athletes across multiple sports.

Now, with Tiny Champs, Simone is dedicated to creating strong mindsets and shaping future champions. Drawing from her personal and athletic experiences, she believes in nurturing the whole child, both on and off the field, helping them build confidence, resilience, and skills for life.