As International Women’s Day calls us to ‘March Forward’, we sat down with Hockeyroos goalkeeper and Black Dog Institute lived experience speaker, Aleisha Power whose story embodies both triumph and determination.
A formidable force on the field winning a silver at the Commonwealth Games and a World Cup bronze medal, Aleisha is not only recognised as a Hockeyroo, but also as an inspiring advocate who faced her own mental health challenges head on.
In this candid interview, Aleisha shares her thoughts on building resilience, the importance of female role models and the work that is needed to achieve gender equality – both in sports and in society at large.
Peet’s partnership with Black Dog Institute reflects our shared commitment to raising mental health awareness and support throughout our communities.
Can you take us back to when you first fell in love
with hockey? What drew you to the sport?
Growing up, I played various sports, mostly following my brothers and wanting to be part of whatever they did. When our local soccer association closed, I naturally followed them into hockey.
I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I fell in love with hockey. I was just one of those kids who loved team sports; the energy, the camaraderie, the feeling of being part of something bigger. Hockey quickly became more than just a game; it was a place where I felt valued, could play with my friends, and truly belonged.
Growing up, which female role models inspired you? How did you see their success impact your own aspirations?
I never really attached myself to just one female role model. Instead, I was inspired by the women making waves in their respective fields, whether in sport, music, or other areas. It was never about one person but rather the collective power of women pushing boundaries and achieving incredible things.
These days, my greatest inspiration comes from the women in my own community: my friends, teammates, and those around me who continue to show up, even in the face of adversity. The ones who train hard when life feels like it’s falling apart, who stay true to themselves despite societal pressures, and who break barriers simply by being who they are.
My female friends are my role models. Their resilience, strength, and authenticity remind me daily of the power of women supporting women.
Above all, I want to thank my mother, who has been there from the very beginning. She has shaped me into the person I am today, teaching me to be fearless, strong-willed, and compassionate. Her unwavering support and belief in me have been my foundation, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her.
As a professional female athlete, can you share your experience in overcoming gender biases whilst also balancing the pursuit of your dream career?
I feel incredibly grateful to have grown up in a sport where I haven’t had to overcome significant gender biases. The Hockeyroos have a strong legacy as one of our nation’s most dominant teams on the international stage. This legacy was built by the 492 women before me and carried forward by those who joined after me (as Hockeyroo number 493). That foundation has meant that I’ve always felt like I belonged in sport and life.
Growing up in a male-dominated household, I learned to hold my own early on. There was no special treatment. Whether it was joining in on roller-skate hockey with no mercy or going to work with my dad, I was never told I couldn’t do something because I was a girl, so I never questioned whether I should be in those spaces.
I think the combination of being surrounded by strong female role models in the hockey community and being raised in a household where gender never defined my opportunities has shaped my experience in the best way possible. While I know gender bias is still very much prevalent in sports and beyond, I also know that representation matters. The more we see women excelling, breaking barriers, and taking up space, the less the next generation will have to question whether they belong because hopefully, they’ll already know they do.
That said, the one gender-based bias I have experienced is the disparity in how female athletes are valued compared to their male counterparts, particularly when it comes to financial opportunities like sponsorships. Too often, female athletes are made to feel as though they don’t possess the same commercial value despite competing at the highest level and representing our country with the same passion and commitment. This imbalance significantly contributes to the economic gap between male and female athletes, even within the same sport.
While progress is being made, there’s still work to be done to ensure that female athletes receive the recognition and opportunities we deserve. The more we continue to advocate for ourselves and the next generation, the more we can shift the narrative. Change takes time, but every conversation, every success, and every woman pushing boundaries helps move us closer to true equity. It’s not just about demanding more; it’s about proving, time and time again, that we are worth it.
Throughout your journey to becoming a Hockeyroo, you’ve faced your own challenges with mental ill-health. In the spirit of IWD and taking decisive, bold steps to turn commitments into action, could you share with us the commitment you made to yourself to prioritise your mental health, while navigating the demands of everyday life and elite athleticism?
Back in 2019, a series of unfortunate events became the straw that broke the camel’s back, as the saying goes. It was then that I realised just how fragile my mental health was, how little I had been looking after myself, and that I desperately needed help. In one of the darkest moments of my life, I made a small but life-changing decision: to talk to someone. That choice became a defining turning point, not just for my mental health but for my entire life. I chose to do something about it. I chose life.
Since that day, I’ve made an ongoing commitment to prioritising my mental wellbeing. Seeking support, using mental health resources, and continually developing my ability to cope with life’s challenges have become part of my daily practice. That moment in 2019 reminds me why I made that commitment: to be the best version of myself. Not to compare myself to others or try to be something I’m not, but to show up every day as the best Aleisha I can be.
For me, this commitment means being self-aware, allowing myself to be vulnerable, and actively working on my wellbeing. It is the ‘little and often’s’ or small, consistent actions that keep me grounded and functioning at my best. Some of these are the obvious things we all know support mental health: eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep, and exercising (though being an athlete certainly takes care of that one, ha-ha). But beyond the basics, I also make time for things that fill my cup, such as socialising with friends, studying, going for a walk with a podcast, or reading a book. I’ve also learned that I need alone time to recharge, whether that’s a quiet moment to myself or just some horizontal downtime (also known these days as ‘bed rotting’ or chilling out!).
At the end of the day, life will always have its challenges. But we only get one body, one mind. The only person who is with you 24/7 is you, and that’s precisely why looking after yourself isn’t optional; it’s essential. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so take the time to refill it. That’s the commitment I made to myself, and it’s one I’ll continue to keep.
Empowering the next generation, particularly young women and girls, is critical to ensuring no one is left behind. As a woman who has achieved success in your field, what message do you have for young women who aspire to similar professional heights?
Success looks different for everyone, and one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to define it for yourself. On paper, my career may not look as successful as some that have come before me or those I play alongside. But as I reach the later stages of my career, I’ve realised that success isn’t just about how many games I’ve played for Australia or whether I went to an Olympics.
Looking back, I see success in my resilience. How I never gave up, even when injuries nearly broke me. I see it in the degrees, diploma, and qualifications I earned whilst being an athlete, proving that sport doesn’t have to define my entire identity. I see it in the way I’ve used my voice to speak openly about mental health and work with incredible organisations like The Black Dog Institute. And yes, I’ve also won medals and been to an Olympics as an alternate athlete, an achievement I’m proud of. But more than anything, my legacy will be maintaining my integrity, staying true to my values, and being a good mate. That’s what I’ll remember when I’m 80, flexing to my extended family at Christmas!
For young women chasing their dreams, whether in sport, business, or any other field, stay authentic to who you are and connect with why you want to pursue your passion. That’s what will carry you through the moments when you feel like giving up.
What support or resources do you wish had been available to you on your career journey?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of my family, who have been an invaluable resource. They were able to make a lot of sacrifices to ensure I could pursue dual careers on and off the pitch.
One piece of advice I wish I had followed earlier is to prioritise looking after your body. Whether it’s taking recovery more seriously, investing in Pilates to improve movement, or simply listening to your body, these small steps make a huge difference in longevity and performance. The same applies beyond sport—whether in the corporate world or creative industries, taking care of yourself is key to sustaining a long and fulfilling career.
Above all, believe in yourself. Your journey will be unique, but if you stay connected to your passion and surround yourself with the right support, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Through your work with Black Dog Institute, who Peet is a proud supporter of, and your involvement with the AIS Mental Fitness program, you’re helping young people manage their mental health and wellbeing. What messages would you share with young women and girls who may experiencing their own journey with mental ill-health?
Through my own journey with mental ill-health, I’ve learned a lot of important lessons, some the hard way. If there’s one message I want to share with young women and girls experiencing their own struggles, it’s this: You don’t have to go through it alone.
It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one or to convince yourself that others have it worse, so you should just push through. But suffering in silence only makes the weight heavier. I spent a long time not talking about my struggles, dealing with them in unhealthy ways, and believing I was just ‘broken’; that this was how life would always be. But the simple act of opening up to someone I trusted lifted a considerable burden. Speaking about it helped me realise I wasn’t alone and that support was available. So please, talk to someone: a friend, a family member, a coach, or a professional. You deserve support just as much as anyone else.
Another key lesson I’ve learned is that mental health isn’t something you ‘fix’ once and never think about again. It’s a continuum, like an elastic band. Life will throw challenges your way, and if you’ve built up your resilience, you’re better able to handle those setbacks and bounce back. But that elastic band can snap if you stretch yourself too thin without looking after your mental wellbeing. I learned this after 18 months of working with a psychologist. I thought I was ‘cured’ and that life would be smooth sailing, only to be hit with six months of hardship. The difference was that this time, despite still being harsh, I had the tools to cope. The work never really stops, but it does get easier.
Finally, when you reach the top level of any field, whether it’s sport, business, or any competitive environment, mindset is everything. Talent and hard work will get you far, but belief in yourself and mental resilience can be the difference between success and falling short. As a Hockeyroos goalkeeper, I’ve been in high-pressure moments where the outcome of a game came down to a single save. In those moments, your belief system, how you speak to yourself, and how you back yourself matters just as much as physical ability.
So power up your strengths. You have them. Believe in yourself, back yourself, and know that no matter what you’re going through, you’re never alone.
