Isabelle Symes

Prior to commencing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Isabella began a Bachelor of Business, during which she struggled to find purpose and passion in the coursework, which left her feeling defeated and lost freshly out of school. Isabella investigated the sport science course…knowing only the fact that she loved sport, had played them all, and could maybe learn a thing or two about her constantly sprained ankles from netball (hello no dorsiflexion), she jumped right in.

Isabella discovered she had found purpose in study and discovered an enthusiasm to learn. Uncovering an area that truly was and is of interest to her. Developing a love for the musculoskeletal and cardiac system, Isabella became intrigued by how the body can adapt to constraints placed upon it by exercise to build a stronger and more sustainable mind and body.

During this time Isabella completed her Certificate IV. in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy) delivering exercise programs in a variety of environments including exercise and rehabilitation clinics, commercial gyms, hydrotherapy, hospitals and telehealth for an array of conditions including oncology, cardiac rehab, youth disability, elite athletes, spinal cord injury, chronic pain and musculoskeletal.

The new university campus meant Isabella would spend 3hrs in traffic getting to and from class each day (ensuring Triple J played in the morning and smooth FM on the late nights home). With the drive being criminal, making the most out of time spend at this campus was vital. Searching for like-minded individuals, Isabella joined the inaugural women’s football team. Fast forward a few years and Isabella was co-captaining the team for her last few years of the degree sneaking in 2x Best and Fairest and 1x Goal kicking award.

However, these did not come without challenges. Specifically, a back injury in the first game, requiring a stretcher and resulting in the inability to dress independently for weeks. Yet she returned to the field stronger than ever with the help of some incredible coaches, some serious training (VO2max testing…yuck!) and a support crew cheering her on. What kept Isabella fighting the traffic in peak hour each day and putting in the rehab work was the community and team this club had built from the ground up by seeing girls simply show up each and every week to train and better their skills. Rain, hail or shine… or even Covid restrictions - Each member striving for their own personal best, supported by a team. 

Alongside other life chapters, Isabella begun putting in the rehab work on her ankles, and later secured the netball league best & fairest award. This award displayed more than just sport…it demonstrated that it is never too late to aim for improving your movement and function.

Currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Isabella wishes to work with individual’s with neurological, metabolic and musculoskeletal conditions to find better health through exercise. This meant Isabella hung up the footy boots in early 2022 and was searching for the same inspiring environment, which landed her at Northside .

Overcoming challenges both mentally and physically, Isabella knows the value of a supportive coach and the impact of an absent one, as well as the regenerative power of a training routine on both the mind & body. Isabella feels privileged to share the Northside member’s journey in their pursuit of good health and movement, knowing that navigating challenges and celebrate wins is better together.