Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to reignite a dream.
Working collaboratively, the VIS Community Programs, SWAS – APEX program and the Victorian Regional Academies of Sport (VRAS) are creating more mentoring opportunities for regional athletes.
Over three 30-minute phone calls, a strong sense of understanding took shape between both swimmers. The mentoring helped 15-year-old Davis rediscover her confidence and love for swimming, while reminding Kinder why giving back matters so much.
The two athletes bonded over shared experiences, bounced ideas off each other, and simply celebrated their mutual love for the sport.
“Mentoring Zoe has been an extremely rewarding experience. Seeing Zoe’s confidence and mindset grow over the time that I chatted with her has been very impressive”, said Kinder.
From the first time we spoke, I saw little hints of a younger me in Zoe.
Tara Kinder as a young swimmer.
Zoe Davis competing in breaststroke.
Davis had faced a challenging year in her swimming journey, but she approached the mentoring opportunity with openness and determination, qualities that quickly stood out to Kinder.
“She’d had a tough season, so the fact that she put her hand up to be part of this program speaks volumes”, Kinder reflects.
“Our chats centered around motivation, managing nerves, and remembering why we love swimming in the first place”.
For Davis, the impact was immediate.
“Tara truly understands my training and experiences”, said Davis.
“It was so valuable to speak with someone who could relate so closely to what I’m going through”.
When motivation wavered, Kinder helped Davis find a new perspective.
“She suggested focusing on the social side of training, catching up with teammates in the morning as something to look forward to. That small mindset shift made a big difference”.
Their shared experiences also helped Davis realise that taking a step back can sometimes reignite passion.
“Talking to Tara made me realise there’s nothing wrong with stepping away for a while and returning when you’re ready. She showed me that its possible to fall out of love with the sport and then fall back in love with it again”.
Davis’s mother, Jean, saw the transformation first-hand.
“Her mental health has improved significantly”, says Jean.
Having someone to talk to who truly understands the mental challenges and expectations of the sport, has been amazing. Taras support seemed to shift Zoes mindset almost overnight.
Jean believes the power of this mentoring program lies in its authenticity.
“Just knowing there’s someone out there, achieving what Zoe wants to achieve, who genuinely cares and is paying attention to her progress meant the world. When Tara told Zoe how proud she was of her, it really stuck with her”.
Kinder agrees that the experience was as rewarding for her as it was for Davis.
“As athletes, we can get caught up in our own journeys and challenges and sometimes forget how much our stories can encourage someone else”, she says.
It’s been a privilege to give back to the next generation and be part of something in the sporting world that’s about more than just performance.
For both Kinder and Davis, the sessions left a lasting mark, a reminder of the power of connection and shared experience.
It’s amazing what just three phone calls can do.
“I look forward to the day I run into Zoe on pool deck and get to see her doing what she loves with the spark and confidence she’s found again”, says Kinder.
That will be a really special full-circle moment.
Jeans final message sums it up perfectly.
“To VIS athletes, never underestimate the impact you can have. Even a small amount of your time can change a young athletes outlook. And to young athletes, if you ever get the opportunity, take it. It can shape not just your sporting journey, but your personal growth as well”.
The VIS looks forward to following the journeys of both Kinder and Davis as they pursue success in sport and life.
