Or it could represent her roles as a player, a coach and a mentor.
However, when discussing Sibio’s pride in community sports, three points of recognition would simply not be enough.
“This year, I’m not as involved in athletics, but I’m still heavily involved with basketball and netball,” she said.
“(In the Greater Shepparton Basketball Association,) I’m the team manager for the juniors.
“Netball, I’m doing a lot of coaching and mentoring — I coach a community-based team for Mooroopna and the Shepparton Netball Association squad sides, and I’m also involved in the Northeast Academy for Netball Victoria.”
A jewel in her crown was the call-up to coach the under-15 and under-17 Goulburn teams at the 2024 Netball Victoria state titles.
It was scorching on the courts in Bendigo, both in intensity and due to extreme temperatures that seeped indoors, resulting in games played in two seven-minute halves with two-minute breaks in between.
Despite the heat, Sibio remained steadfast on the sidelines, her composure masking a contagious competitiveness.
“They’re proud moments when we’re versing some of the best teams in the state, and we beat them,” she said.
“We love being able to prove ourselves and win as a regional team.”
Pumped-up pep talks, adapting a game plan and projecting assurance when players’ confidence is low are all essential skills of a coach.
But to lead by word as well as deed? That is a gift.
Sibio inspires individuals, especially women, to pursue sporting roles without fear, emphasising that she continues to learn even after two years of coaching.
It serves a greater purpose, after all.
“Without volunteers, kids don’t get to play sports,” she said.
“Every team needs a coach, every game needs umpires, associations need committee members, so there are lots of different ways that people can volunteer in sport.
“It’s a commitment, but it’s just so rewarding, especially when you’re seeing how much the kids enjoy it and what they get out of it.”
After the interview, Sibio mentioned that she would return to work before picking up her kids from school and then drive them to two football and one basketball training session.
Yes, it’s a packed schedule, but the local coach manages to keep a firm grip on the game’s pulse, much like many sporting greats.
“In sports, there are so many fantastic women, both professionally and in our region, who inspire others,” Sibio said.
“If you put your hand up to do something, you might just inspire the next person.”
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