ACA helps Tess get hands-on experience

Tess Cooper continues to progress through her career as a physiotherapist after making the most of the ACA’s Work Placement Program.

Heading to the Brisbane Broncos NRLW, the former Queensland batter is keen to get some hands-on experience in the sports physiotherapy industry.

“When this opportunity came up, I jumped at it,” says Tess.

“I’m doing a little bit of injury triage, helping out with rehab programs, any strapping that the girls need before trainings, and I suppose just learning the ins and outs of what it is to be a sports physio.”

Tess says that while she’s well-versed in physiotherapy, a lot of what happens behind-the-scenes in a sporting environment is also important.

“It’s nice to be back in a team environment,” says Tess. “Coming from cricket I’ve been exposed to that sort of environment before, and I loved it.

“To see the girls get around each other at training takes me back to when I was playing for the Fire and the Heat. I’m also learning a lot from the head physio Lisa – she’s got a wealth of knowledge, so I’m just trying to pick her brain as much as I can”.

Tess has been able to use her own experience as a professional athlete to settle into the Broncos environment and says this experience has given her another perspective.

“I sort of know what is expected,” Tess says. “I know what’s involved in a training session, the expectations, but also just being in that professional environment.

I know it from both sides now – knowing where the players are coming from, because I’ve been there before trying to be selected for a team. But now, I also know it from a physio perspective, and tackling an issue that way.”

The benefits Tess has been able to take away from the placement are learning from the Broncos’ physiotherapists, as well as the opportunity to build a network that could lead to further opportunities.

The process of getting the placement began when the ACA’s Transition & Past Player Development Manager, Mark Gregory, came to Tess to see if it was something that interested her. From there they were able to work together to discuss opportunities that would best suit Tess and her development as a physio.

Tess was able to successfully balance studying her degree while playing high-level cricket.

“It was really hard if I’m honest,” she said. “I was doing full-time study along with training for the Fire, so it was quite difficult, but it’s also important to have that balance. I’d go to Uni to get an outlet from cricket, and then cricket would be my outlet from Uni, so it was just a nice balance for me.”

The work placement and career opportunities that the ACA provides for both current and transitioning members, are something Tess unequivocally recommends.

“They’re pretty awesome opportunities, it gets your foot in the door, especially for those that don’t necessarily know what they want to do while they’re playing, they can dip their toes in different areas,” she says.

“And as someone transitioning from a playing career, it’s helped me take another step in a profession I’ve chosen outside of cricket. When I went through this process, I didn’t have any expectations and I’ve got to do a placement with a reputable club.

“To anyone who gets the opportunity, I’d say jump at the chance if you can. It’s only going to help you in your career and your journey as well.”