Our new scholarship athletes

Each 2026 recipient received a $10,000 scholarship and membership to the University’s High Performance Support Programme.

Programme of study: Bachelor of Sport Health and Physical Education
Sports played: Netball & Rugby 7s

Why did you choose University of Auckland?
I first chose University of Auckland for its strong academic reputation, but as a student-athlete, I was also drawn to its supportive environment, which allows me to balance high-level sport with my studies so I can grow in both areas.

Share the moment that made you fall in love with your sport.
I remember in year 9 when I made my first rep team for netball, I was absolutely ecstatic! This was the first time I saw potential in myself to really excel in this sport. I grew to love the game the more I played throughout my school years, winning national titles and making friends and connections that will last my entire life. 2025 was the year I learnt to love rugby 7s. I had incredible opportunities to go to Japan for my school team, play at Condors and the Global Youth 7s tournament. I love the way this game allows me to express myself in ways I never have before!

What is your favourite memory from your sporting journey so far?
In 2024, my Howick College Premier 1 netball team had an undefeated season. We made history winning the Auckland Premier 1 competition for the first time against the reigning champions, Avondale, won the Upper North Island Secondary Schools Tournament to qualify for NZSS Nationals where we won gold by 1 in the most exciting game I’ve ever played. The feeling was like no other, blood, sweat and tears were poured into that year and it was the most amazing experience ever. That team will forever be held so closely to my heart!

What keeps you going as a full-time student and athlete?
My drive to improve and reach my potential in both areas. Majority of my life I have focused on sport but as I step out of school I want to find other ways to grow and learn, as well as having something outside of my sport to enjoy.

When you’re not training or studying, how do you like to spend your time?
My Faith is the most important thing to me! Keeping Jesus at the centre of every part of my life keeps me living in joy while finding peace in the hard parts. I enjoy attending church and my youth group to connect me with people who build me up in Christ and help me to grow in my Faith too. My Faith is my identity and my training and study are talents God's given me!

Programme of study: Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Science Conjoint, majoring in Mathematics and Exercise Science
Sport played: Alpine Ski Racing

Why did you choose University of Auckland?
University of Auckland being able and willing to support me not only academically but also as an athlete was what stood out to me about coming to UoA.

Share the moment that made you fall in love with your sport.
I fell in love with alpine ski racing through the feeling of speed and adrenaline. There’s nothing like being in the start gate before a race. That feeling of going fast and being completely in the moment is what makes me want to keep pursuing the sport.

What is your favourite memory from your sporting journey so far?
One of my favourite memories is competing at the Youth Olympic Games. It was an incredible experience to race alongside some of the best young athletes in the world and represent New Zealand.

What keeps you going as a full-time student and athlete?
I’ve chosen to balance both because I know skiing won’t last forever. I want to set myself up for the future while pushing myself as far as I can in my sport.

When you’re not training or studying, how do you like to spend your time?
When I’m not training or studying, I’m usually hanging out with friends or spending time outdoors.

Programme of study: Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science
Sport played: Rowing

Why did you choose University of Auckland?
I chose University of Auckland for its superb facilities and the many options it offers, not only in sports but also in academics.

Share the moment that made you fall in love with your sport.
Rowing has been an interesting journey for me, and I have certainly had ups and downs; however, one of my favourite moments from my novice season that really made me feel accomplished was gaining two silver medals at the North Island Club Champs. It is the first time I have ever really achieved a proper medal in sport, and it was a North Island one after some gruelling training over the summer.

What is your favourite memory from your sporting journey so far?
I have definitely had many highlights, but the cream of the crop would have to be representing New Zealand in Lithuania. Ever had I thought I would represent New Zealand in anything, so it really meant a lot. Apart from this, any time I can get out on the water with my mates is a great time.

What keeps you going as a full-time student and athlete?
Rowing is a hard sport to maintain, and I feel an odd sense of accomplishment when I do it. Every time I get out on the water or do an erg, I feel happier, and as I have once again kept up with what was going on and squeezed out a bit more. I can't imagine not doing sport alongside my studies.

When you’re not training or studying, how do you like to spend your time?
I do like hanging out with my mates, going to the beach, or doing something active. Apart from this, though, I'm going to be honest and say sleeping.

Programme of study: Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts Conjoint, majoring in Philosophy and Pacific studies
Sport played: Netball

Why did you choose University of Auckland?
I chose University of Auckland because of the Law programme on offer, also because UoA offers a conjoint degree with law and that was something I really wanted to do.

Share the moment that made you fall in love with your sport.
For me it wasn’t a moment that made me fall in love with netball, it was a team. In 2024 I played U18 representative netball for Netball Waitakere. I had the best time with the best team and coaching staff, although we lost in the finals it was the best campaign I’ve ever been apart of. This team/campaign helped me enjoy netball while still being in a very competitive space.

What is your favourite memory from your sporting journey so far?
My favourite memory is from 2025 Secondary Schools Netball Nationals. This was my first competition fully back and recovered from surgery, and it was my last secondary schools tournament being in my final year of high school. We went undefeated the whole tournament and won a nail biting final by 2 goals. It was the best way to comeback from injury, and even better doing it with some of my best friends.

What keeps you going as a full-time student and athlete?
I've always wanted to go to university and study to help better my future. Netball keeps me connected to my friends, benefits my health and fitness, something I’m not wanting to give up just because I’m studying. Knowing that both netball and studying are benefiting me in different ways keeps me pursuing both.

When you’re not training or studying, how do you like to spend your time?
When I have free time away from studying and training I like to hang out with family and friends, whether it just be lounging around at home or going out somewhere. I also enjoy having alone time to read and go try new cafe spots.

Programme of study: Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Property Conjoint, major in Finance and Management
Sports played: Track and Field (100m & 200m)

Why did you choose University of Auckland?
I chose to study at University of Auckland because not only did it allow me to continue to train with my coach etc, I am also able to have access to facilities and support pathways that are offered here that are really beneficial. For the academic side of things UOA has been recognised as one of the best business schools in the country so it really helped when making my decision as I knew I could continue what I loved while getting a good education.

Share the moment that made you fall in love with your sport.
I think the moment that I fell in love with track was when I started to see all the hard work start to come together and then seeing the results that came from all the training. It became addictive to see how far I could get.

What is your favourite memory from your sporting journey so far?
My favourite experience I have had so far was definitely when I represented NZ at Oceania’s in 2024. It was such a cool opportunity to be apart of not only to being able to compete internationally for the first time but also because I was surrounded by other like minded athletes, who had the same passion and goals.

What keeps you going as a full-time student and athlete?
Deciding to become a full time student and alongside being a high performance athlete was pretty easy, I think I have some pretty big goals in mind that I’m not ready to give up on so I never really thought twice about it. It definitely has been more challenging than I expected to balance it all but I think what motivates me is the fact I could reach my goals and aspirations.

When you’re not training or studying, how do you like to spend your time?
Away from training and studying I love to hang out with friends, whether that’s an ice cream run or going out for dinner, I think it really helps me just relax so that when I am training and studying I can give all my attention to it.