Chloe Molloy: My Big Decision
Writing exclusively for Pickstar, AFLW Rising Star winner Chloe Molloy gives us her insights on making big career decisions as a school student.
As a student, I never really knew what I wanted to do after school.
Even in the early years of high school there’s a lot of talk about careers and next steps, and it can create pressure, but I now know there was a lot of people like me who didn’t have their future perfectly mapped out.
All I knew is I wanted my future to be involved in sport.
I was playing a high level of basketball at the time, and decided to focus on playing college basketball in America. This meant changing my strategy in year 12. Instead of choosing my favourite subjects, I chose the subjects that would make me eligible and give me the best chance of securing a US college scholarship.
It was an uncomfortable choice, and meant getting out of my comfort zone to study subjects that were not necessarily a natural fit for me. But it paid off, because I was offered full athletic scholarships to three NCAA Division 1 colleges to play basketball in the states.
Goal achieved. Immediate future secured for the next four years, and potentially beyond. A career in the WNBA was beckoning.
The big decision
But as I came towards the end of year 12, I was starting to question my decision. I didn’t talk to anyone about it. I didn’t want to seem ungrateful for what was an amazing opportunity. Of course looking back, I’ve learned that it is important to talk through these big decisions with your most trusted inner circle.
After my exams, the full reality of the move hit home. Even though I knew how many other people would give anything for a crack at the scholarship, I just didn’t feel right about pursuing a college basketball.
At the same time, the AFLW was launching and I could see the huge opportunity.
Ultimately, I had to make the decision that would make me happy, and footy was the answer.
In hindsight, I couldn’t have been prepared for such a decision if it wasn’t for my experiences at school. Through school, I got to try many different sports and activities, which meant that I was able to learn and discover what I was passionate about. And for me, that was football.
As a student, don’t be worried if you don’t have that career plan sorted. Instead, embrace school for the wide variety of opportunities that it provides, and the chance to try many things and discover what you’re truly passionate about.
Moving from basketball from football was a tough call, but the right call. I got to pursue my AFLW dreams with Collingwood, and while there have been ups and downs, I couldn’t be happier with the decision I made.
If you’re not passionate about the path you’re on, it is never too late to make a change and pursue your dreams!
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