Collingwood’s AFLW captain, Steph Chiocci, has taken time off from her teaching career to focus on the Pies’ 2020 AFLW campaign.
The 31-year-old health and PE teacher at Parkdale Secondary College will step away from the classroom during term one as she dedicates her time to her footy.
“I’d been thinking about it for a while and flagged it with work in the middle of last year before putting in my application for leave without pay, which was then approved,” Chiocci told collingwoodfc.com.au.
The midfielder reached the decision having felt rundown due to to constantly juggle her time between full-time teaching and her busy AFLW training schedule.
As she now prepares to enter her fourth consecutive season as the Pies’ skipper, this is the first occasion Chiocci has taken time off in her seven-year teaching career.
“To the later side of the year, I felt like I wasn’t giving 100-percent to my job and I think that came down to the fact that I was always tired,” she said.
“I didn’t want to look back and have any regrets as an athlete. I want to be better for myself and for the team.”
She said both her work and the club were extremely accommodating and showed full support in this decision.
“It was a priority for me to come into this AFLW season fresh. This way it allows me to focus on my recovery, getting the right amount of sleep to ensure I am the best athlete I can be.”
Despite taking some time out, Chiocci is putting her health and PE teaching skills to work by spending time in Collingwood’s community department.
This has provided her with a flexible arrangement while she continunes to complete the team’s pre-season training program.
Part of her role has involved working with one of the club’s community partners , the La Trobe Valley Authority, in organising several upcoming clinics in conjunction with AFL Gippsland.
“I’ve spent time looking at the tours that we do at the club and making sure it was worthwhile for students and schools,” she said.
“I’ve been able to apply my teaching knowledge to create presentations and clinics that provide information on nutrition, leadership, sport psychology and wellbeing.”
Chiocci is enjoying a strong pre-season, having run out in the team’s match simulation game as well the last weekend’s practice match against Melbourne.
The captain is positive in the group and is keen to hit the ground running come round one.
“We’ve had Steve come in with new coaches, some new players and a new game plan.
“We’ve spent lots of time focusing on nailing our on-field roles and have seen progression each week which is good to see.
“The team’s really looking forward to running back out on Victoria Park and is excited to meet the Eagles for the very first time.”
