From the nerves of her first training session to the pride of leading her team, Kiara Kostovski’s journey with the Steelers has come full circle. The dynamic outside back is entering her third season with the club, now stepping up as captain of the Tarsha Gale Cup side for 2026—a responsibility she never saw coming.
“I was kind of shocked at first,” Kostovski said. “It still hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I’m excited to lead the girls and play some footy with them.”
After progressing through three grades within the Steelers system, Kostovski believes her experience has prepared her well for the leadership role.
“We just take it each training session as it comes,” she said.
“We learn something every session and build on our skills. We’re forming a good connection as a team, and hopefully we can bring that out onto the field.”
Reflections
Reflecting on her first exposure to the Steelers, Kostovski recalls feeling overwhelmed when she entered the program as a 16-year-old.
“I was really nervous,” she said.
“All the older girls and boys, it was pretty intimidating.”
Now almost 19, and armed with the experience of four finals series in three years, including being a member of the 2024 NSW Women’s Premiership-winning squad, her perspective has shifted.
“It’s a big difference,” Kostovski said.
“You kind of get looked at as a leader now, and it’s a good feeling.”
Training and playing alongside athletes who have progressed to the Dragons pathway has also had a lasting impact on her mindset.
“It’s pretty surreal playing with those girls,” she said.
“It makes you realise you’re not that far away from maybe being at the top.”
Growth Phase
As captain, Kostovski’s focus is firmly on growth, both for herself and her teammates.
“Just improving each week,” she said.
“Hopefully steering the girls around the park and then seeing what opportunities come my way.”
Under the continued guidance of coach Courtney Crawford, Kostovski is confident the Tarsha Gale side is building in the right direction.
“She’s really good,” Kostovski said.
“I think a lot of the girls are learning heaps from her, and we’re all excited for the season.”
From a nervous teenager to a trusted leader, Kostovski’s rise reflects the strength of the Steelers pathway, and as the Tarsha Gale season approaches, she’s ready to embrace the responsibility and lead from the front.
Words: Angelina Raula
Image: Denis Ivaneza