Having grown up immersed in team sports like netball, football and softball, Emily Hall’s path into sports science felt almost inevitable.
Whether guiding others or expanding her own knowledge, she approaches the field with curiosity, determination and a relentless drive to turn insights into action.
Emily continually seeks the best strategies to help athletes, and those around her, perform at their highest potential.
Early days
Born in Bourke, New South Wales, Emily grew up with an older sister and younger brother.
Much of her childhood was spent outdoors, camping and fishing along the Darling River.
In 2006 her family relocated to Beaudesert when she was 10 years old – a move she described as a culture shock.
“I went from having 99 kids in my school, which was kindergarten to grade 10, to being at Beaudesert Primary which was like 400,” she said.
Foot in the door
Sport quickly became a constant in her life.
Throughout high school, Emily played rugby sevens, rugby league, touch football, netball, AFL and softball.
At 14, she took her first job at the local Coles, later moving to Subway while studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at University of Queensland in 2015.
“I always knew I wanted to go down that path and decided that sports science was something that I’d have more impact in,” Emily said.
While studying, Emily moved to Milton to be closer to campus and began working with various sporting organisations across rugby union, rugby league and AFL.
She worked with the inaugural Brisbane Broncos NRL Women’s team in 2018 – an experience she describes as being in the right place at the right time.
Emily thrives in collaborative settings and values how the field constantly evolves.
Alongside her degree, she also became a Level Two Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach, opening further career opportunities.
Impact
In 2020, Emily met her partner Ryan Elton at a country bar in Brisbane.
The pair later chose to step away from city life, returning to Beaudesert in 2023.
Now a postdoctoral research fellow at UQ, Emily recently completed her PhD focusing on culturally responsive physical literacy programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“I enjoy work that’s impactful, whether that’s in sport or something else,” she said.
“Everyone has a different way of seeing and being in the world and that opportunity to be involved in more people’s lives helps you reflect on your approach to doing things.”
Through research, community sport and ongoing conversations, Emily continues to build her knowledge – and leave a lasting impact.
