RMIT graduate leading the way for women in cricket

Melbourne Cricket Education Academy (MCEA) graduate Lily Osborn is helping shape the future of women’s sport through opportunities such as Play Like a Girl’s Empowered to Lead program.

Lily began her cricket journey as a 10-year-old, playing club cricket and filling in for her brother’s team. After graduating from high school Lily knew she wanted sport to be part of her future, so she joined MCEA one year after the program began.

MCEA is a partnership between Cricket Victoria and RMIT’s College of Vocational Education. It offers students the opportunity to complete a dual Diploma of Business and Diploma of Leadership and Management while gaining hands-on experience in an elite sporting environment. Students develop skills in marketing, leadership, communications and finance while working alongside industry professionals.

“I saw an advertisement for the program and enrolled later that day!” said Lily.

As one of only two women in her cohort, Lily was already aware of the gender gap in Australian sport. After graduating from MCEA in 2024, she began working for Cricket Victoria as the Student Experience and Recruitment Coordinator. In this role, she has made it her mission to encourage young female cricketers to pursue sport as a career.

Lily smiles at the camera, she is at a cricket ground

Lily at Cricket Victoria

Lily’s most recent achievement was receiving a scholarship to Play Like a Girl’s Empowered to Lead program.

The scholarship was offered to female staff from RMIT’s industry partners, Cricket Victoria and Essendon Football Club. The six-week program supports women and girls in sport to build confidence, leadership skills and professional connections through weekly online sessions.

Participating in Empowered to Lead reinforced Lily’s understanding of the work still needed to create a more equitable sporting landscape and build sustainable, supportive foundations for women’s sport. However, she remains optimistic about the future.

“Fortunately, women’s sport is only going to grow and grow,” she said.

The program also showed Lily how empowering young women to become leaders, both on and off the field, can help develop influential, open-minded and creative people who will support the future of women’s sport.

“To me, Empowered to Lead means being confident with words and actions, all with the intent to make a difference,” she said.

Lily bowling on the cricket pitch

Lily is eager to share the knowledge and skills she gained through the program with other female cricketers.

“I want to inspire them to be the very best versions of themselves at all times!” she said.

She encourages young women considering a career in sport – or participating in female-focused leadership programs such as Play Like a Girl – to get involved.

“Please give it a go,” she said. “It was an incredible opportunity and will only create a positive impact on your progression and leadership.”

Story: Bridie O'Halloran

Business and Entrepreneurship

04 August 2026

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04 August 2026

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