Create an experience with Courtney Schonell

I’m Courtney Schonell, an Australian elite field hockey player, and my journey has been anything but straightforward.

Originally from Sydney, I made the bold decision to leave my family, friends, and everything familiar behind to move to Western Australia with one dream: to represent Australia and become an Olympian. Since joining the Hockeyroos squad in 2021, I’ve experienced the incredible highs of elite sport, but I’ve also learned some of life's biggest lessons through its toughest moments.

Throughout my career, I’ve overcome two major knee injuries—one just before the Commonwealth Games and another only 11 months before the Olympic Games. More recently, I experienced the disappointment of being deselected from the Hockeyroos squad leading into the 2026 World Cup. Instead of letting that define me, I put my head down, worked harder than ever, and was fortunate enough to earn my way back into selection for the 2026 World Cup squad.

These experiences have taught me that success isn't just about talent. It's about resilience, discipline, mindset, and having the courage to keep going when things don't go your way. I've learned that setbacks don't define us—it's how we respond to them that shapes who we become.

When I speak, I don't just share the highlights of elite sport. I share the reality behind the jersey—the sacrifices, the setbacks, the self-doubt, and the resilience it takes to keep chasing a dream when the path isn't always clear.

My goal is to inspire people of all ages to embrace challenges, build confidence through adversity, and never stop believing in what's possible. Whether I'm speaking to schools, sporting clubs, businesses, or community groups, I want people to walk away knowing that their biggest setbacks can become their greatest opportunities for growth.

My journey is still being written, but if there's one thing I've learned, it's this: dream big, trust the process, keep showing up, and never let someone else's opinion determine what's possible for you. The sky truly is the limit.