Andrew Doan: TAFE NSW graduate excel in thriving sports massage industry as lead soft tissue therapist

A chance internship through a TAFE tutor set a southwest Sydney local on the path to becoming a lead therapist for one of Australia’s most decorated basketball teams. See how he ended up working for the Sydney Kings.

Andrew Doan on the path to becoming a lead therapist for one of the nations most decorated basketball teams, the Sydney Kings.

A chance internship through a TAFE tutor set a southwest Sydney local on the path to becoming a lead therapist for one of Australia’s most decorated basketball teams.

And now he has his sights set on joining the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, former home to NBA legends such as Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.

Bossley Park’s Andrew Doan, 27, graduated with a diploma of remedial massage at TAFE NSW Macquarie Fields to get his foot in the door of the industry.

“I was finishing up my health science degree at university when I started seeing a physiotherapist and realised I wanted to do manual therapy and work with athletes,” Mr Doan said.

“I’ve always been passionate about sports and basketball and helping others, and once I enrolled in the TAFE NSW diploma I never looked back.

Southwest Sydney local Andrew Doan.

“I was exposed to employers and networking opportunities and one of my teachers, Donna, even helped me gain an internship at the Sydney Kings.”

After completing the internship, the head physiotherapist approached Mr Doan with the opportunity to become lead soft tissue therapist for the Sydney Kings. Mr Doan now also works out of his clinic Myohealth is Bossley Park and works for renowned sports health clinic Zone 34 in Lewisham.

Mr Doan said working in sports massage was challenging, hands-on work, but incredibly rewarding.

“It’s very different to working with the general population,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun and I enjoy it because with elite sports you have to think on your feet because you have players who need to return to the sport quickly and because of that you need to problem solve fast.

Zac Gattorna of the Kings takes the ball down court during the round two NBL match between Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers at Qudos Bank Arena, on October 08. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Image

“Each day I work with the physio team to organise massage and recovery blocks for the team, which helps prevent and treat any injuries in the athletes and increase their longevity and flexibility.”

Sports massage is now seen as a necessity among professional athletes and elite sports teams for recovery and injury prevention, and research shows the massage industry is projected to grow by 20 per cent over the next five years.

For Mr Doan, he hopes to land a role with the LA Lakers, one of the most successful teams in the history of the NBA. He also wants to get involved with teaching and passing on his skills and experience to students.

Teacher Donna West said TAFE NSW helps prepare students like Mr Doan with the skills they need to excel in the fast-paced field of sports massage.

“We take immense pride in the success stories of our graduates, like Andrew, and are committed to nurturing their talent and enabling them to reach new heights,” she said.