Game, Set, Path: Finding Passion with Ash Barty

 A buzz bounced through the corridors of Rathfarnham, each whisper volleying to the next student: “she’s here!”. Excitement built like a match point rally: Ash Barty AO was moving from class to class, learning about the curriculum of our Junior School.

Across every classroom, students from Prep to Year 6 are learning to find their direction, and eagerly shared their poetry, artwork, reading assignments, and how to find an angle in maths class.

A three-time Grand Slam champion, former World Number One, Olympic Bronze Medallist, author, and mother, Ash represents more than sporting excellence. For our youngest students at the start of their own journeys, she is a strong woman role model reminding students their path is something to be explored, tested, and ultimately decided for themselves.

At a special assembly, Ash shared stories of her professional career, reflecting on her rise through the junior tennis circuit to the thrill of competing on the biggest tennis stages. Speaking with Dr Donna Davies, Ash answered questions from the curious students of Rathfarnham.

Zoe in Year 4 asked if Ash played any sports other than tennis, with Ash then speaking candidly about stepping away from tennis for a time. She pursued cricket despite having no formal training in the sport, before returning to the sport she loved most, tennis, in 2016.

When asked by Rachel in Prep about why she always played fairly on the tennis court, Ash highlighted the importance of respect.

“I play fairly to respect my opponent and the sport of tennis. I give my best, and that’s how I can say well done at the end of a match, no matter the result. Someone won and someone lost; tomorrow we try to be even better.”

Resilience in the face of tough matches and long training sessions is part and parcel of playing an elite sport. It also applies to schooling, with Ash reminding students that discovering their passion is not about getting it right immediately but about staying open to possibility.

“I want my children, and through my foundation, all children in Australia, to have access to the same opportunities to find their passion. As a mum, that’s what I want for both my son and my daughter, to have the same opportunities to find careers in the areas they love, just like I have been lucky enough to do.”

Asked by Eden in Year 3 about becoming an author through the Little Ash series and her autobiography My Dream Time, Ash shared her lifelong love of reading and storytelling, another path that began in childhood curiosity.

“I always loved learning through storytelling. My kindle became my best friend on the tennis circuit; getting lost in a good book is the best feeling. I hope every child and parent gets that excitement of wanting one last chapter before bed, and then maybe one more.”

Her advice for Gigi, Year 5, on the inevitable nerves that come with stepping into the unknown?

“Nerves are normal! They mean you care about what you do. Whether you’re on court, on stage, or in front of your class, acknowledge them, embrace them, and trust yourself. Once you begin, those nerves settle, and you remember to do what you love to do.”

For the Loreto Toorak students of Rathfarnham, Ash Barty’s visit was more than a moment of excitement; it was a powerful showcase that everyone is on their own court, learning, exploring, and, shot by shot, finding their path.