Sport
5 June, 2025
Life after footy
Queensland Maroon Shenae Ciesiolka’s injury in the third State of Origin match last Thursday was a timely reminder that life as a professional athlete only lasts so long.
Queensland gained some consolation in its 18-14 dead rubber win at Newcastle, which spared the team from the embarrassment of a 3-0 series whitewash.
The win was soured somewhat for Oakey’s own rugby league star, who picked up a knee injury late in the first half.
It’s a reminder that nothing is forever, especially in professional sport.
The star, who played her junior footy for the Oakey Bears, is already planning a career in teaching.
Growing up in Oakey, Shenae dreamed of playing footy at a high level, even when sporting opportunities for girls were often scarce and her role models were male.
Her teacher, Mrs Waters, supported her sporting ambitions and inspired her path into teaching.
“Her positive energy and caring nature helped me a lot. She has so many wonderful qualities - empathy, great energy, passion and she always created an environment where I felt safe and respected,” Shenae recalls.
“If I end up being half the person and teacher (she) is one day, I’ll be very happy.”
So, Shenae set out to complete her teaching degree part-time while building her elite sporting career.
After graduating, she embraced relief teaching for its incredible flexibility and diverse experiences while allowing her to train and perform at her peak.
“I love the idea of being able to work and experience different schools,” Shenae explains.
“Relief teaching gives me the time and flexibility to be able to be an elite athlete and train to my full potential.”
The adaptability Shenae learned on the field comes in handy in the classroom.
“Finding connection with teammates quickly is vitally important, and I have been able to learn the best ways of doing that through experience, which transfers across to the classroom,” she says.
While she doesn’t advertise her footy career in class, some students know who she is. Shenae finds “they respect that (it) requires a strong work ethic, perseverance and dedication to chasing goals.”
This makes her a powerful role model, on and off the field.
“It’s very important to have visible role models, especially in sports which have historically been male-dominated,” Shenae reflects.
“It provides a platform for individual athletes to demonstrate that women can be strong, skilful and successful. That is very powerful for young girls and boys to see and hear as they go through their journeys into adulthood themselves.”
The growth of women’s rugby league is ‘surreal’ she says, with two million people now watching women play State of Origin on television.
“I know it’s not going to last forever, but I am determined to soak up every moment while I’m in the arena,” she says.
The Oakey Champion thanks Education Queensland, who conducted the interview with Shenae, for their assistance.
