Humans of Carey: Rhys Adams

Health and Physical Education teacher, cricket coach and football coach

Sport has always played a significant role in my life. My earliest and some of my fondest memories involve watching or playing sport. Every waking moment I had either a cricket bat or football in my hands, begging my older brother or dad to join me in the backyard.

I grew up in the small town of Eildon (about two-and-a-half hours away from Melbourne), where my dad was heavily involved in the local football and cricket club. Every Saturday I would be there with my brother playing until we were called to go home – filthy and tired but utterly thrilled to have played for the whole day.

The swapping of muddy football boots in winter to oiling my cricket bat in preparation of the upcoming season became my yearly ritual. Seasons rolled into one another, and I just loved it. I am very thankful for the opportunities that both sports have provided me, in particular cricket, which allowed me to travel and play in England along with a tour through Europe playing cricket in places like Switzerland, Greece, Germany – even a game at a winery in Tuscany. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people, which would never have been possible without sport being the common thread.

With this love of sport, it was no surprise that I pursued a career as a Health and Physical Education teacher. I had dipped a small toe into the world of sports science but felt more connected as a teacher – working with young people and looking to ignite and support their passions for health and wellbeing. After graduating, I took the opportunity to move to London with my now wife, Brooke, and work as a PE teacher and play some cricket. Arriving back in Melbourne, it took time to readjust but through connections with my cricket club, I found my feet and continued my teaching career.

Unfortunately, three ACL tears in my right knee (in the space of three years) ended my cricket career, but I was able to refocus and continue my involvement with sport through coaching and my passion for teaching Health and Physical Education.

I’ve been extremely lucky to work at Carey for the past six years. The School offers such a wide range of co-curricular activities and being able to be involved with the cricket and football programs has allowed me to connect and work with a large group of wonderful students. I’ve been proud to help drive the girls football program and have witnessed it grow each year.

Outside school, I’m a proud husband and dad to two tornadoes (aged four and two) who make me smile every day. If being in lockdown has taught me anything, it’s to try and see the world through the eyes of my kids, who see the wonder and fun in everything they do!