Coelho holds down a day job as an attorney, and pursues her career as a football player outside of work hours.

"Maintaining balance is hard but I like a forward-thinking approach," Coelho says. "I just mark my week out, and tick off a to-do list each day. It is full-on and tiring and very long days, but I genuinely love both jobs."

Both jobs. That is the reality for most W-League players; all the pressure and preparation required of professional sport, but all of it on part-time pay, plus the uncertainty of single year contracts and competing over a season that is far shorter than the fully professional men's A-League.

Coelho isn't alone in juggling work commitments. Teammates Tara Andrews and Lauren Allan gained degrees while playing, and Cassidy Davis has nearly completed a teaching degree. Even Ash Wilson - the club's first female coach - is also a high school teacher.

Contributing writer Michael Cox tells the story of Claire's journey in the cover story in Weekender.

Also in Weekender:

- Michael Byrne writes about Italian restaurateur Alfonso Muras's newest venture, Piazza Mercato, at 231 Hunter Street, featuring live music, Italian food and bar service.

- Jade Lazarevic checks out the new menu at The Lucky hotel, featuring Cali-Mexican inspired food.

- Simon McCarthy writes about the latest social media craze - Cameo - a website where you can purchase a personalised greeting from a celebrity, for a price.