How One Visit to Pymble Changed Everything

For Jemima McCalman, her Pymble journey began with a single visit that changed everything.

Originally enrolled elsewhere, she recalls watching her sister compete in sport against Pymble and thinking, “Hang on a second – schools in Sydney can look like this?”. That moment inspired her to change course and join Pymble as a Year 7 boarder.

Jemima had a lifelong passion for sport, but throughout her years at the College, she noted that it was at Pymble where her passion was truly nurtured. After exploring a wide range of activities across sport, performing arts and boarding life, she found her calling when she was introduced to Rugby 7s in her final year – an opportunity that, as Jemima reflects, “Unbeknownst to me at the time, this would be a decision that would significantly shape my future.”

“I left Pymble a confident young woman, shaped by the boarding community, my teachers, peers and teammates, and ready to take my next step in the real world.”

After graduating from Pymble in 2017, Jemima completed a double degree in Law and Communications while continuing to pursue her rugby career. Her academic focus gave her the grounding to succeed off the field, while her sporting experience instilled resilience and teamwork, qualities that later helped her navigate injury setbacks and career challenges.

Today, Jemima is living in France, playing professional rugby in the Élite 1 competition. Between training sessions, learning French and embracing the local lifestyle, she continues to grow as both an athlete and a young professional. 

Her journey is a powerful reminder of how Pymble’s holistic education, combining opportunity, support and spirit, empowers young women to find their purpose and pursue their passions wherever life takes them.