Exercise Scientist Rachel Pezzano is a Women of Storm Program Partner who loves the outdoors and all things sport, including building a strong connection with rugby league’s female pathways.
Rachel was drawn to her profession early on after suffering her own injury.
“I was always a sporty kid but gained more interest in exercise science after suffering a knee injury and going through the rehabilitation and return to play process,” she said.
“I love the process of rehabilitation but also building performance markers in athletes.”
Starting out 11 years ago as an Exercise Scientist at Kieser’s Ringwood Clinic where she is still based, Rachel is now a Program Partner and also the Head of Performance for the Storm Female Under 17’s Pathways Program.
“With rugby league, I have been lucky enough to work with many teams in Victoria including SG Ball, Jersey Flegg, Female State Teams and National Championship teams as well as strength and conditioning with the Australian PM XIII team.”
Rachel has been involved with rugby league since 2015, and her experience and knowledge is highly valued and sought after by those she works with.
“Rachel has been an integral part of our female development program” says Pauline Poloai, Program Manager Female Pathways.
“She was initially with the boys’ program before headhunted to assist with strength and conditioning, and performance in 2019.
“Rachel comes with a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the S&C industry working with teams such as Australian Jillaroos, Australian Secondary Schoolgirls, National Championships – Victoria, Rise Development Program and Rookie Rise.
“Rachel’s dedication, creativity & connection with squads has elevated our players’ performance as they have trusted her knowledge to become better athletes. Her contribution to female pathways is deeply valued by parents, staff and players.
“She has made a significant difference to our on-field performance over the last six years.
“Without Rachel, our females don’t have the same opportunities as our male pathways.”
As a woman working in the physiotherapy and sporting space, Rachel has had a number of challenges but has been lucky to have mentors who have helped and supported her along the way.
“I have had a mixture of experiences, some good and some not so good,” she said.
“Early days, often being the only female in a male dominated space was a challenge in itself, often feeling out of place, not heard or undervalued.
“I am lucky to have some great mentors at Kieser and in the sporting space that have always supported me growing as a coach.”
In her current role as Head of Performance of the Storm Female Under 17’s Pathway Program, Rachel gets to oversee “the fun stuff”, strength and conditioning, and is most excited by watching the athletes develop through the program.
When asked why she wants to support the development of female rugby league in Victoria, Rachel said: “I think it is a space that we can offer so much more education and coaching on physical development of female rugby league players, including injury rehabilitation and physical preparation for such a physical game.
“If we can upskill the female youth, they will hopefully stay in the game for longer.”
Rachel Pezzano
“If we can upskill the female youth, they will hopefully stay in the game for longer.”
With only four weeks to go before the top 20 players in the female development squad are announced, and with passionate and dedicated people like Rachel on board, the future of women’s rugby league in Victoria looks bright.
As a Partner of the Women of Storm program, Rachel and Kieser have provided a 50% discount code for members of the Melbourne Storm community on an initial Physiotherapy assessment* at any Kieser clinic across Australia. View locations and book online at kieser.com.au/locations.
* Offer valid for new Kieser members until 31 December 2024. Mention MELBOURNE STORM at your appointment to access the discount.
