#198 – Resilience, Respect & Building the Next Generation of Goalkeepers with Tomi Romic
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Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode, Ian Hawkins sits down with former professional goalkeeper Tommy Romich to explore resilience, purpose, and the rebirth of passion after adversity. Tommy opens up about the highs of his playing career, the injuries that forced him to step away, and the health scare that changed everything.
Through raw honesty and reflection, Tommy shares how he turned pain into purpose, founding Topflight Goalkeeping Academy to guide the next generation of Australian goalkeepers. His story reveals what it takes to rebuild confidence, rediscover identity, and channel setbacks into impact—lessons every athlete, coach, and parent can learn from.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone chasing high performance while balancing family, health, and ambition, proving that success isn’t about how hard you fall, but how you rise after.
About the Guest:
Tomi Romic
Born on 9 January 1987 in Sydney, Australia, Tomislav Romic is the eldest of three children and proudly embraces his Croatian heritage. From an early age, his passion and determination for goalkeeping drove him from local junior clubs to the Croatian national league.
Playing Career
Romic began his football journey in Sydney, developing through respected youth systems such as Sydney United Juniors, Parramatta Power Centre of Excellence, and Parramatta Melita Eagles. As NSW’s number one youth goalkeeper, he represented the state team before moving to Croatia to join NK Kamen Ingrad in the national league—an experience that shaped his professionalism and mindset.
Returning to Australia, he enjoyed a strong NPL NSW career with clubs including Macarthur Rams (named NPL Goalkeeper of the Year), Parramatta FC, Sydney United, SD Raiders (notably starring in the 2017 FFA Cup Round 7), Blacktown City, NWS Spirit FC, St George City, and Blacktown Spartans. Known for his commanding presence, fearless shot-stopping, and leadership, Romic became a respected figure in Australian football.
Life After Football – Boxing Career
After football, Romic transitioned into professional boxing, applying the same discipline, focus, and resilience that defined his goalkeeping career. This chapter reinforced his identity as a driven athlete who thrives on challenge and personal growth.
Coaching Career
Romic later returned to football as a coach, becoming Academy Director & Head Coach of Top Flight GK Academy—one of Sydney’s fastest-growing goalkeeper programs. Focused on discipline, respect, and resilience, the academy’s mission is to develop not just top goalkeepers but strong individuals.
RISE – DEFEND – DOMINATE is the academy’s slogan.
A Life-Changing Illness
In March 2024, Romic suffered a stroke caused by a congenital hole in the heart. Though it left him temporarily unable to speak and facing fatigue, his recovery became a turning point. The experience deepened his commitment to mentoring others through Top Flight GK Academy, ensuring his legacy is defined not only by his playing career but by the players he inspires.
About the Host:
Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.
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