With a decorated sporting career that includes two Olympics, two Commonwealth Games and a World Cup with the Hockeyroos, Ms Edwina Bone brings a unique perspective to her role as a Health and Physical Education (HPE) Teacher and Year 10 Mentor at Radford College. After nearly a decade in Perth - where she balanced elite sport with teaching and leadership roles - Edwina returned to Canberra in 2024 to be closer to family and embrace the next chapter of life as a new parent.

What brought you to Radford and what were you doing previously?

In 2024, after nearly a decade in Perth, my husband and I decided to return to the East Coast. The arrival of our son in 2023 made us realise how far we were from our support network in Canberra, and we wanted to be closer to family during this important chapter.

While in Perth, I was a high-performance athlete. Alongside my sporting career, I completed a Master of Education (Secondary) and worked at Methodist Ladies' College, an all-girls school, as Assistant Director of Boarding and later Director of Boarding.

I came to Radford because of Jessie Thearle (Head of HPE), who I knew through the Canberra hockey community. We played together for the University of Canberra Stars, and when I mentioned I was moving back, she encouraged me to apply for the part-time HPE teaching role.

You’re a two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games medallist. If you could relive one sporting moment, what would it be and why?

That’s a tough question! A standout moment would be winning gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. We were trailing most of the game, and England had ‘parked the bus’ in their defence. With just 20 seconds left, we scored off a short corner to equalise. The game went to a shoot-out – one player versus the goalie, with eight seconds to score – and we won! My family and partner were in the stands, which made it even more special.

You were just 26 when you played in the Women’s World Cup and Commonwealth Games. How did your hockey journey begin, and do you still play?

I made my debut for Australia just shy of 25, against Korea in Perth. A year later, I was playing in a World Cup and Commonwealth Games – it was such a privilege. The World Cup final against the Netherlands was played in front of 25,000 fans in a soccer stadium converted to a hockey pitch.

Growing up, I played every sport going and jumped at every school rep opportunity. Hockey stuck with me because it helped me connect with others, especially when I moved from Orange to Canberra for university. I still play for the University of Canberra Stars, the same club I joined in 2006.

From the Olympic pitch to the classroom – was teaching always in your future?

I’ve always enjoyed coaching and sharing my love of the game. As an athlete, we were encouraged to have a career outside sport – for balance and in case of injury – but it wasn’t until later in my career that I pursued teaching. I’m so glad I did.

How do you bring your high-performance mindset into the classroom, especially on rainy days?

Luckily, Radford students are very motivated to move and participate, so even a basic warm-up game, with a little friendly competition, sparks a fire. If I join in, they often try to beat me - which brings out their competitive side in a fun way!

As an athlete, I used music to motivate myself. So when I can, I bring music into my lessons to boost energy. On rainy days, I remind students how lucky we are to have great indoor spaces like the Cricket Centre, Wigg gym and weights room.

People would be surprised to know ...

I’m an identical twin! My sister lives in Canberra too, and some of my Year 10 mentor students have spotted her from afar and wondered why I didn’t say hello!