Lori Ahern has always had a passion for sport, and thanks to SEDA and the Sport & Business Program, she found a way to turn that passion into a career.
Now working as a Competition Coordinator at one of Victoria’s largest netball venues, the State Netball Centre, Lori reflects on how the program gave her real-world experience, valuable industry connections and the confidence to grow both professionally and personally.
Name: Lori Ahern
Job title: Competition Coordinator – Parkville
What does your current role entail?:
As Competition Coordinator at Parkville Netball, I oversee one of the largest netball competitions in Victoria, involving over 500 teams and more than 6,000 participants.
The competition spans all levels, from Woolworths NetSetGo through to Premier Open divisions, and often crosses over with athletes from the Victorian Netball League (VNL).
My role involves managing the operations, scheduling (including the joys of fixturing 500+ teams), and delivery of these competitions to ensure a high-quality experience for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators.
How long have you been at Netball Victoria?:
I have been formally employed by Netball Victoria for 18 months; however, my involvement with the organisation began much earlier. Since 2020, during my time in Year 11 & 12 and throughout the Sport & Business Program, I have been volunteering with both Netball Victoria and the Melbourne Vixens, which gave me an early insight into the industry and built the foundation for my current role.
Tell us about your journey through SEDA: I began my journey as a SEDA College student, completing Year 11 and 12 during the COVID-19 pandemic. While I may not have had the same experience as those who were able to enjoy the full SEDA program, I was still able to use my time there to explore pathways into the Sport and Business Program in 2022, driven by my passion for sport and the elite sporting environment.
During this time, I was fortunate to complete placements with organisations such as Collingwood Football Club, Netball Victoria and the Melbourne Vixens, Hawthorn Football Club (AFLW) and Netball Australia. These opportunities not only gave me invaluable experience but also allowed me to build the professional connections that continue to support my journey in the industry today.
Why did you choose to enrol in the Sport and Business Program?:
I chose to enrol in the Sport and Business Program because of my long-standing passion for sport, which started during school and grew into a desire to work within the elite sporting industry. The opportunity to study alongside a professional sporting organisation was incredibly exciting, as it meant learning directly from some of the best in the business while gaining real-world insights and experiences.
What did you find valuable going through this program?:
Throughout the program, I gained not only invaluable experiences and professional connections but also lasting friendships. I’ve been fortunate to continue working with some of these friends after completing the program, while others have become valuable contacts across different sporting organisations within the industry. This network, combined with the skills and knowledge I developed, has been one of the most rewarding outcomes of my time in the program.
I also value the strong education pathway it provided. Completing the Diploma has allowed me to transition into mainstream university, where I am now studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in Sport Management, with credits from my qualifications.
Looking ahead, I’m even considering pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in 2026, which highlights how the program has opened doors for both my professional and academic growth.
What skills do you think you’ve been able to apply in your role?:
I’ve been able to apply and strengthen a range of skills in my role. Coming from being a shy and introverted person, I’ve really developed my communication skills and learned to step outside my comfort zone.
Settling into the industry has given me the opportunity to not only grow in confidence but also to enjoy the process of learning and contributing. I’ve also been fortunate to work with supportive colleagues, both past and present, who have encouraged me to actively listen, consider different perspectives, and apply those insights in my work.
What’s your dream job?:
My dream job, is something still within an operations type role that excites me, maybe a team manager of a sports team or events operations potentially, but I do love my current connection with community so I would have to stay involved somehow with grassroots netball.
Who do you think a Sport and Business Program is suited to?:
The Sport and Business Program is well-suited to anyone who is passionate about sport and eager to gain hands-on experience in the industry. It’s ideal for people who see themselves as ‘sport enthusiasts’ or who enjoy learning in a more practical, applied environment, where they can experience the business side of sport in action while building valuable skills and connections.
What would you say to people looking into the Sport and Business Program?:
I would say: don’t hesitate. Enrolling in the Sport and Business Program was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has opened so many opportunities within the sport industry, including my current role. The program’s hands-on, practical approach and the chance to learn directly within the industry are experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Find out more about the Netball Victoria Sport & Business Program.
