29 September 2020: Eleven elite athlete students from the University of Canberra have been awarded the 2020 Eldon and Anne Foote Elite Athlete Scholarship.
The students – many of whom were Tokyo-bound Olympians – will receive the $10,000 scholarship each as part of the University’s commitment to support the elite athlete cohort. Balancing study and an intensive training schedule, the athletes cover a range of sporting disciplines – from rugby union and basketball, to tennis and volleyball.
University of Canberra Director of Sport, Carrie Graf says the University’s commitment to elite athlete students has never been stronger.
“At UC, we aim to do everything possible to ensure our elite athlete student cohort is supported,” said Ms Graf. “This scholarship means these students are able to achieve the balance needed to thrive academically and athletically.”
The scholarship aims to help recipients achieve a balance between student and athlete life – a feat that isn’t always easy.
“Many of the athletes receiving these awards were Tokyo-bound Olympic athletes. Although their timelines or goals may have changed in the short-term, ensuring that they remain supported – particularly in these circumstances – is our priority,” said Ms Graf.
To accommodate the changes in athletes’ training schedules, and to ensure they remain supported despite their competition timelines being largely unknown, the number of scholarships to be awarded in 2020 have been expanded to ensure more student athletes are still able to meet their goals.
Recipients include Harrison Lloyd, who recently won the Super Rugby AU title with the Brumbies and UC Capitals player and Australian representative Keely Froling, who helped the UC Capitals earn a record-breaking ninth WNBL Championship earlier this year. Harrison is completing his Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science/Bachelor of Sports Management, while Keely is close to finishing her Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree.
“It is thanks to the generous support of our donors that the Eldon and Anne Foote Elite Athlete Scholarship is able to be awarded to these stand-out athletes,” said Ms Graf. “For many of the scholarship recipients, the opportunity to have a donor invest in them – particularly this year – is invaluable.”
The scholarship is awarded in addition to the University’s long-standing Elite Athlete Program, further affirming UC’s place as a leading sports university.
Eldon and Anne Foote Elite Athlete Scholarship recipients:
Harrison Lloyd – Rugby Union, Brumbies
Keely Froling – Basketball, UC Capitals and Australia 3v3
Keely Small – Athletics (800m), Athletics Australia
Claudia Obst – Rugby Union, UC7s, Brumbies (Super W)
Jessica Bell – Athletics (Javelin), Athletics Australia
Mikaela Stevens – Volleyball, Volleyball Australia
Alison Bai – Tennis, Tennis Australia
Ari Gesini – Athletics (Long Jump), Paralympics Australia
Joshua White – Softball, Softball Australia
Kate Eckhardt – Canoe Slalom, Paddle Australia
Freya Brent – Handball, Handball Australia