Isabelle McMullen | Class of 2017
Memorable school moment of primary years or high school:
One of my favourite memories from Cape Byron was our Year 11 camp to Kakadu. We were meant to stay inside at this incredible property like the year levels before us, but a couple of us decided to sleep outside instead. Within minutes, everyone had dragged their sleeping bags out under the stars.
Looking back, it sums up our cohort pretty well. We all had our own friendship groups, but when it counted, there was this unspoken pull to come together. It never felt forced, it just happened.
Did you have a plan when you left school?
Before leaving school, I had too many plans. I had applied for such a wide range of university degrees, from Archaeology to Forensic Science. However, when I was accepted for early entry into Bond for a Bachelor of Sports & Exercise Science, I knew that was where I was meant to be. I have always been fascinated by the human body. Our capabilities, how we move, and why we move are absolutely amazing. But most of all, I wanted to be able to make a difference in people’s lives. I had dreams of working in elite sport and still do. However, after completing my Master’s in Clinical Exercise Physiology, the skills I learnt were not only so relevant to a field I loved, but also to my own life. They gave me a completely different perspective on health, one that goes far beyond performance and aesthetics.
I became really passionate about helping people who don’t always see themselves represented in the fitness space, those living with chronic illness, injury, or complex conditions. It shifted my focus from just how the body performs to how it functions day to day, and how much impact the right support can have on someone’s quality of life. That is where I found the most meaning in my work, meeting people where they are at, building their confidence, and showing them what their body is still capable of.
I never thought I would start my own business, but through those experiences, I realised I wanted to create something that felt more personal and intentional, a space where people felt safe, understood, and genuinely supported. Once I took that step, it just felt right, and now there is honestly nothing I would rather be doing.
What skill from school became more important after leaving than you expected?
Intrinsic motivation. It is not something that is explicitly taught or something you really think about at school, but once you are in the real world, especially at university, you start to notice it. You wonder why some people seem more on top of things than others when you have all been given the same opportunities, the same lectures, the same entry level jobs. It all comes down to what you do with it. If your goals require higher marks, you have to put in the work yourself. If you want to be promoted, you have to show people why you deserve it and go after it. There are no handouts, but everything you could want out of life is within your reach if you are willing to work for it.
You have had to show pretty extraordinary courage to get to where you want to be today. Are you able to explain a quality or skill in yourself that you have really needed to call upon when things got tough?
If I had to pin it down, I would say resilience. I refuse to give up on my goals and aspirations because they are a huge part of who I am. I enjoy challenges, I enjoy pushing myself, and I do not let setbacks define me. There will always be negative people, experiences, and emotions. That is a part of life. It is our ability to understand, accept, and move forward that makes those “bad” moments far less impactful and allows us to stay true to ourselves and our goals. And celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Every step is building the foundation for your dream life. Take the time to enjoy those moments, reflect, and be proud of yourself.
Is there something you remember from school that always makes you laugh?
My friends. I had the best group of girls in my corner who never failed to make me laugh. Crying about maths? It is okay, the girls have a song to cheer you up. Having a bad day? Do not worry, they will make you laugh so hard you forget what day it is. I feel so lucky to still call them my friends today.
Since leaving school, what have you been up to?
After school, I went straight to Bond University and completed my Bachelor’s of Sports & Exercise Science. After that, I worked as a strength and conditioning coach for a few years before heading to Southern Cross University to complete my Master’s in Clinical Exercise Physiology. Since then, I have worked in a variety of roles, including as a clinical Pilates instructor, an athletic trainer for a Rugby Union team, and a strength and conditioning coach at a youth performance gym. In 2025, I travelled to Germany for the World Transplant Games where I medalled in all my events (I should mention I received a kidney transplant in 2021 due to Lupus). It was an incredible experience. I met some of the bravest and most inspiring people and was able to return to competitive swimming, which has been so rewarding. After this, I was lucky enough to interview with Vision Australia Radio and Talkin Sport about my experiences. It was so rewarding to be able to talk about transplant sport on such big platforms. I am also proud to say that I am now on the board for the Queensland branch of Transplant Australia, as well as their Sports Committee.
I also started my own Exercise Physiology business here on the Gold Coast, which I am incredibly proud of. It was not something I always planned, but it has been one of the most rewarding things I have done. It has pushed me to back myself and grow, and I love being able to create a space that genuinely helps people feel stronger and more capable in their everyday lives.
One thing I miss about Cape Byron is:
My friends. I was very lucky to meet my people at Cape Byron, and I miss seeing them every day. We are still in touch now, and whenever we catch up, it feels like no time has passed at all. I am so proud of where we all are now.
