My TAP Experience: Rediscovering the Joy of Sport

By Stephanie Plunkett

​My relationship with sport has always been varied. Currently, I play rugby, but over the years I’ve also been a footballer, hockey player, netball player, swimmer, dancer, and competition cheerleader. Alongside this, I work as a personal trainer supporting athletes – and I’ve been on a journey to find a better way of working with them that aligns with my values: prioritising the enjoyment of movement over traditional measures of performance.

A moment that has stayed with me from being part of The True Athlete Project (TAP) was during a community meet-up. I was surrounded by international coaches, researchers, former international athletes, and authors. Initially, I felt that my voice wasn’t important in that space – these people had so much more experience than me. But when it came to my turn to share, everyone listened. They asked questions and genuinely wanted to hear my perspective.

In that moment, I realised that even though I may not be at the top end of elite sport, I have a lot of experience and understanding of sports and coaching. My voice matters.

Being part of the TAP community has been affirming. I’ve often felt that my perspective on sport is different from others – I care more about enjoyment and athlete welfare than I do about winning. Because of that, I’ve not always been taken seriously in the performance sports world. TAP has shown me that my view of sport is just as important in elite environments as it is at community level. It’s re-ignited a fire inside me that had been crushed after years of feeling I was fighting against the system.

Through TAP, I’ve learnt that my opinion is valid. That I do have valuable experience. I’ve also seen that many people want sport to be a place of growth, well-being, and fun – but they lack the tools to change the environments they’re in.
If I could tell my past self one thing before starting this journey, it would be:

“Keep believing in what you think is right. Others may not see things your way, but don’t let that quieten your voice.”

And to anyone thinking about joining TAP or supporting their work:
Give it a go. You might just find something here you didn’t expect. Join with an open mind and engage as much as you can – it’s a place to find like-minded people, but also to discuss different views critically and openly.
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The TAP Membership Community is a space for those who care deeply about the well-being of athletes and the culture of sport. As a member, you’ll connect with others committed to bringing presence, purpose, and compassion into their coaching and practice.
By subscribing, you're supporting our grassroots and community work in the USA, enabling us to initiate impactful change in communities. Together, we're transforming lives, one true athlete at a time. Join us in making a difference.
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