Role Model- Aoife Callaghan

Role Model- Aoife Callaghan

Ulster University Tigers (Basketball NI)

Have you ever heard the phrase “ball is life”? Well, when you think of that expression, Aoife Callaghan should come to mind. She comes from a family of basketball players, where everyone shares a passion for the sport. Aoife’s parents founded what is now called Ulster University Tigers, a basketball club, so she grew up immersed in the game. Currently, she serves as the chairwoman of the club, while also playing for the super league team and working as a coach for younger teams. It’s safe to say that basketball runs in her blood, and she is determined to break the glass ceilings that have long limited young women in a male-dominated field.

While Aoife has made it clear that she has no plans to leave her position as chairwoman of the club anytime soon, she has set a significant goal for herself—to establish a lasting legacy for girls who aspire to play the sport, providing them with strong role models. Growing up, Aoife found inspiration in her mother and Lisa Lieslie, a professional basketball player in the WNBA. Lisa was the first athlete she looked up to and thoroughly enjoyed watching. However, it’s Aoife’s mother who has been her biggest supporter. From coaching her to offering unwavering support throughout her journey, her mother has been there every step of the way. They even trained together during extra sessions, and her mother regularly texts her for game updates. Taking the helm from her mother at the Tigers holds deep significance for Aoife.

Big things are on the horizon for Aoife. She has already tasted success at the national level when she competed to qualify for the Commonwealth Games, and her long-term goal is to qualify with the NI 3×3 team for the next Commonwealth games. Furthermore, the Tigers have achieved promotion to the super league for the first time, and the team wants to keep getting better and stay in the top league. Judging by how she talks about her teammates as if they were family, this won’t be a daunting task. They not only form her social circle, but also hold great significance in her life. Undoubtedly, the Tigers are truly a family affair. Besides her personal ambitions, Aoife has plans to implement changes within the Tigers, albeit nothing drastic. As she confidently stated, “I’m a very strong personality. I am very confident, no matter what, even if I am doing it wrong. I am going to do it with confidence.” These are the skills sports impart—the ability to make decisions with confidence and envision a successful outcome.

When I asked Aoife for advice for aspiring athletes or those interested in getting into the sport, she emphasized the importance of cultivating friendships within the team. Spending so much time together, your teammates become your support system. Additionally, she stressed the significance of setting goals, regardless of their size. Setting goals allows you to monitor your progress and eagerly anticipate those pivotal moments in your journey. The Female Sports Forum is so happy to have Aoife as one of our many role models to showcase how there are so many important and influential roles in sport.