At Sports College SA, we love seeing the many different pathways our students pursue after graduation. For Ella Litchfield, a member of the Class of 2025, that pathway has been centred around finding a workplace she loves while continuing to pursue her passion for sport.
Since graduating, Ella has joined the team at AFL Max as an Educator, where she helps children learn through active play. She has taken on a variety of roles across the venue, including the Mini Max toddler program, party hosting, front desk and the café, giving her the opportunity to build a diverse range of skills while working in an environment she enjoys.
Outside of work, Ella has stayed heavily involved in sport. She continues to play football for Central District Football Club and Angle Vale Football Club, plays netball with Golden Grove and Elizabeth, and regularly trains at Revo Fitness.
Reflecting on her journey since leaving SCSA, Ella says one of her biggest priorities has been finding a workplace that supports both her career and her sporting commitments.
“I’ve been focused on finding a positive work environment that is flexible around my sporting lifestyle,” she says. “I’ve also loved making new friends while keeping the friendships I built at SCSA close to my heart. I’m also starting to explore house trades as a long-term career pathway.”
Looking back, Ella believes SCSA completely changed her experience of school and helped her become the person she is today.
“SCSA helped me in ways they don’t even understand,” she says. “I came from a school where I hardly attended, missed countless weeks, had no friends and wasn’t confident. Now I’m a very outgoing person who wants to help anyone I can. I can get along with anyone I meet, and I’ve built an amazing friendship group through Sports College.”
When asked about her favourite memories from SCSA, Ella says it’s impossible to choose just one.
“My whole 2024 year was incredible,” she says. “SEDA Bowl was a highlight, having such a friendly class, getting to bond with both North and South, and captaining our winning SEDA Cup and Knockout Grand Final teams in my last year.”
One of the biggest lessons Ella took away from her time at SCSA was the importance of staying true to herself.
“Always be yourself,” she says. “Whether that’s in class, out on the footy field, with your friends or talking to teachers.”
Since graduating, Ella is most proud of successfully transitioning into the workforce and embracing the responsibilities that come with life after school.
“Moving into a new environment has been something I’m really proud of,” she says. “After being in school for so long, you get used to the routine. Learning to manage bigger commitments has been an important step.”
Her advice to current SCSA students is to make the most of every moment.
“Keep doing you! Make it enjoyable and never, ever take the school for granted. This school is so special, so make your experience worthwhile.”
Looking ahead, Ella plans to continue exploring opportunities in the trades while remaining patient about what comes next. For now, she is focused on enjoying the journey, embracing new experiences and continuing to bring positivity to everything she does.
Ella’s story is a reminder that confidence can completely change the direction of your future. By finding a place where she could be herself, embracing every opportunity and staying true to who she is, Ella has built a pathway filled with purpose, positivity and possibility.