Original article on the Sydney Roosters website
The Sydney Roosters have teamed up with the Minerva Network to encourage and empower female athletes to accomplish their off-field goals.
The Club has generously funded a scholarship for A-League star Jada Whyman, who is currently studying a bachelor's degree in business as she continues to star on the pitch with Sydney FC.
Based on three principles; collaboration, authenticity and generosity of heart, the Minerva network has propelled a number of female sports stars to balance their commitments both on and off the field.
Alongside the Roosters, Whyman has now been able to begin her tertiary studies as she looks to build her future career.
“Becoming part of the Minerva Network made me realise there’s much more to me than just my football and how I can best use the time in my career to build a profile," Whyman explained.
“A lot of the time being an athlete you don’t think about there being more to you than just your sport once you finish or if an injury comes along.
“I’ve now started going to university for a degree and they’ve helped me a lot through that in gaining a scholarship to be able to afford to go.
“The Sydney Roosters have played a big part as well, gaining that funding for me so it’s been a massive help.
“I’ve really seen myself outside of my sport which is great.”
Whyman said that the benefits of the Minerva Network have helped her immensely, from balancing social and work commitments with her training schedule, to her on-field performances.
In particular, the 22-year-old cited the importance of balancing finances for young athletes.
“I believe there needs to be more education about how to deal with money and how to apply it to business situations and our personal lives,” she stated.
“It can be stressful and for me, doing my business degree I’m learning a lot about how to set up my own financial plans and how different problems in the world affect business.
“How it affects women’s sport, for example, can be a massive contributor in terms of when the spotlight is on women’s sport and how to best promote that.
“Learning these little things and finding these little moments than being able to apply the experience in those areas is very beneficial when one day I start my own little business.
“For me I know I felt a bit more confident playing out on the field with having built my own profile off the field as well as my education. I go out there and I know who I am; it’s not just the sport that I’m playing.
“It definitely gives me the confidence in knowing my value in business situations when it comes to my sport, and how to deal with them and then to deal with contracts. Not everyone has experience in that area so that can make a big difference.
"I’ve now started going to university for a degree and they’ve helped me a lot through that in gaining a scholarship to be able to afford to go. The Sydney Roosters have played a big part as well, gaining that funding for me so it’s been a massive help."
After visiting the Club and speaking to the NRLW squad about opportunities at Minerva, Whyman encouraged her peers to experience what the network is all about.
“I think it would be amazing if they became a part of it,” she said.
“Not only do you learn to build your profile but having a mentor who works in business, you also learn about how you actually build your confidence to stand up for what you deserve playing in women’s sport and not being the second fiddle.
“It may or may not be for you being part of the Minerva Network, but I highly recommend coming along to see what it’s like and you may even get to meet a lot of other athletes from other sports which is someone I value a lot.
“It gives you a sense of identity and a holistic view of yourself.”
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