Mike Verzosa
21 November 2023: Four members of the University of Canberra alumni community were inducted into the University’s Sport Walk of Fame, at the annual UC Sports Luncheon on Friday 17 November.
Kate Roffey, President of the Melbourne Demons AFL Club, retired Olympic rower Jaime Fernandez, basketball coach Phil Brown, and retired Paralympic swimmer Matt Levy join last year’s inaugural class of inductees.
“Sport lies at the heart of this university, and today we continue that tradition as we acknowledge and induct four new members to the Sport Walk of Fame. UC is proud of the success of our sports alumni and the impact they continue to have,” said Carrie Graf, Director of Sport for the University.
For basketball-lifer Phil Brown (Bachelor of Applied Science in Sports Studies [Coaching] 1988), the Sport Walk of Fame is a testament to the University’s sports development programs and further reinforces its commitment to sport.
“It’s a great initiative from UC and what they’re doing in high-performance sport by acknowledging the student-athlete model. It gives talented kids coming out of high school a chance to combine their studies with playing at a high level, to chase their athletic goals,” he said.
“It takes me back nearly 40 years to my time here on campus – when I was studying and playing basketball while transitioning to coaching. My degree really assisted me in applying for different coaching roles throughout my career.”
10-time Paralympic medallist Matt Levy (MBA [Innovation and Leadership] 2021) said that being inducted to the Walk of Fame, along with other great names in Australian sports, is something he’s incredibly proud of.
“It is a shock and an honour to me to be part of such an illustrious group,” said Mr Levy.
“As a Paralympian, we go through a lot of trials and tribulations to get to where we want to go. For me it was never about the achievements, it was more about striving to better myself and helping inspire the next generation.
“I wanted to show what I was capable of maximising the opportunities that were given to me, and hope that the next generation can do the same.”
Fellow Olympian Jaime Fernandez (Bachelor of Education, Secondary Education [Physical Education] 1998) describes the recognition as an incredibly humbling experience, being recognised among some of the sporting world’s elite. It also brought back a lot of fond memories of his time in Canberra.
“UC – and Canberra more broadly – has been a big part of my life. When I was studying here, the University was always very flexible and really supportive and it allowed me to pursue rowing and compete at the sport’s highest levels,” said Mr Fernandez.
Kate Roffey (Bachelor of Applied Science in Sports Studies [Coaching]1990), views the recognition as an important springboard and hopes to serve as an inspiration for women looking to pursue a career in sports.
“We do the same job. But I’m very cognisant of the fact that I do proudly represent females because in a lot of ways, if you can’t see it, you can’t be it,” said Ms Roffey.
“I take it very seriously, being a role model for other females to come through, and also in the value of hard work and putting your mind to things because that’s how you achieve success and recognition.”
The University also introduced the Frank S. Pyke Alumni Award on the day, awarded to Sports Studies graduates who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of Australia’s sports industry.
Receiving the inaugural award were Heather Reid (Bachelor of Arts in Sport Studies Administration 1983), for her contributions to soccer administration and advocacy for women in sport throughout her career, and Craig McLatchey (Bachelor of Applied Science in Sports Studies [Coaching] 1984), for his work as part of organising committees and leadership roles in various Olympic Games, Olympic sports, and other major events.
The Walk of Fame was launched in 2022 and was created in alignment with the University of Canberra Sports Strategy. It celebrates the diverse sporting careers and achievements of the University’s alumni.
Image by Simon Peters, MVP Media.
