TALS Cricket Students Shape Their Careers in the Game They Love
For students in the Cricket stream of the Blundstone Tasmania Academy of Leadership and Sport (TALS), the journey from the classroom to the cricket ground is the reality of a program that blends passion with professional opportunity.
Our 2025 cohort visiting Cricket Australia facilities at Alan Border Field in Brisbane. Photo: Tom Brockman
Each week, students participate in placements that take them right into the heart of the sport. From delivering clinics with Woolworths Cricket Blast and running school-based cricket programs, to supporting talent pathway and identification initiatives, their work plays a direct role in developing the next generation of Tasmanian cricketers.
Their experience doesn’t stop at the grassroots. Students have been involved in gameday operations across some of cricket’s biggest events, including T20 Internationals, One Day Internationals, BBL matches with the Hobart Hurricanes, and domestic fixtures such as the Marsh One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield games with the Tasmania Tigers. From setting up fan zones to working behind the scenes in logistics, these opportunities give students exposure to the scale, pressure, and energy of professional sport.
One major highlight of the year is working behind the scenes at the Ricky Ponting Medal Dinner, a prestigious event on the Tasmanian cricket calendar. Students assist with guest management and event coordination gaining firsthand experience in sports event delivery at an elite level.
The program also connects students with key figures in the industry through regular guest speakers. Cricket Tasmania CEO Dom Baker has shared insights into leadership and the business of sport, while cricket legend David Boon offered reflections on his career and the growth of cricket in Tasmania. Students have also learned from experts such as Greg Hechter (Head of Talent and Development), Emma Doherty (Player Development Manager), Ross Brosnan (Head of Sport Science and Sports Medicine), and current Tigers player Lauren Hepburn, who shared her journey as an elite athlete.
These interactions help students broaden their understanding of the many roles within the cricket industry and start to find where they might fit.
Students including Sam Hewitt, Darcy Androkonis and Olivia Cosentino are all now working as Game Development Officers, supporting cricket programs across the state. Olivia says the ongoing exposure to industry professionals has been one of the biggest highlights.
“Our teacher does really well. Every week we interact with different people and make new connections,” Olivia said. “It’s helped me learn how important relationships are in this industry.”
Other students have found different pathways. Jordan Christopher now works as the State Accreditation Officer, ensuring coaches and volunteers across Tasmania are trained and supported. Blake Sutton has stepped into a role as a Sales Administration Officer, showing that the business side of sport offers just as many opportunities as what happens on the field.
TALS 2025 graduate Blake Sutton addressing the 2026 cohort at Orientation Day. Photo: Josh Quigley
By combining hands-on placements with access to industry leaders and real-world experiences, the TALS Cricket stream is helping shape the future of the sport not just through the players of tomorrow, but through the professionals who will support, grow, and lead cricket in Tasmania for the future.
