Power meets poise

By Stephanie Smarrelli 

You wouldn’t be alone in assuming beauty pageants and netball courts don’t have much in common but for Sophia Meehan they’re where she feels most at home. 

Trading runners for heels and strapping tape for makeup, when she’s not on the court, Meehan steps into the world of beauty pageants. 

“I signed up for Miss World Australia in January,” Meehan said. 

“I was lucky to be selected as a state finalist for NSW, and I’ve now been selected as a national finalist.”  

While the competition may seem to be all about looks, for Meehan getting glammed up isn’t the main drawcard.  

The photoshoots, fashion and makeup are fun, but the reason Meehan wanted to get involved is to promote a deeper cause. 

“As part of the pageant we have our ‘Beauty with a Purpose,” she explained. 

“My purpose is raising awareness for ovarian cancer and Variety Australia. 

“I lost my Oma (grandmother), seven years ago from it, she was such a fighter during her battle with cancer.” 

Making her grandmother proud, Meehan hopes by raising awareness she’ll be able to make a difference in the lives of other people with cancer. 

Being in the pageant world, a love for fashion and beauty go hand in hand. 

And Meehan takes her inspiration from a couple of Aussie beauty icons. 

“Sopha Dopha and Olivia Rogers,” she said. 

But if she had to pick one, she credits most of her style as coming from Sopha Dopha. 

“I love her makeup, how she does her hair, and her outfits are always trendy,” Meehan said. 

“I love how she does the day in my life videos on her YouTube channel. 

“She's a very big influencer of mine the way she has set up her life is really inspirational to me.” 

When prompted which makeup brands she can’t get enough of, Meehan doesn’t spend long thinking about it. 

“Hourglass and Charlotte Tilbury,” she said. 

“The Hourglass bronzer and Charlotte Tilbury flawless setting spray are my favourite products.”  

And the defender’s go to outfit on a weekend? 

“Baggy jeans and a classy top,” she said. 

The juxtaposition of the two pieces of clothing providing Meehan with the best of both worlds dressing comfortably while still looking put together.  

Thinking about her future, there’s a couple of paths the ACT defender can take. 

She hopes to do more in the pageant and modelling space but much of her spare time is filled with her netball duties and studying marketing at university. 

“I 100 per cent want to keep pursing my netball,” she said. 

“One of my big goals for the year is to make an Australian squad.” 

Representing the ACT at the National Netball Championships is part of the journey, Meehan hopes will one day take her to represent her country on the international stage. 

But she’s attributes much of her growth to the Penrith Panthers who she represents in the NSW Premier League. 

Having first started her netball career at the Penrith District Netball Association as an 11-year-old, it’s fitting she’s still representing the suburb today. 

“The Penrith Panthers have been amazing to me,” she said. 

“From being a training partner to making my debut in 2023, every training session, every game is a cherished memory.  

“Our head coach Jenny Barsby has been amazing to all of us.” 

The world is Meehan’s oyster but there’s one piece of advice she holds close . 

“Never give up, keep pursuing your dreams,” she said.