Southern Cross University's student athletes are concluding the year on a high note, having achieved outstanding results at the recent UniSport Nationals on the Gold Coast.
The University ranked an impressive third place per capita nationally in 2025, underscoring the calibre of the University's students and the supportive culture fostered by UniLife and Southern Cross University.
The UniSport Nationals is an annual event that hosts 33 sports for 42 member universities across Australia, attracting over 6,000 students each year to participate.
"Our student athletes won multiple gold medals in surfing, cycling and taekwondo and had considerable final rankings amongst all teams. The results put Southern Cross University up from tenth place per capita in 2024 to third place in 2025, an amazing feat for our university," Student Success Officer (Sport & Events) Dylan Le said.
The competition also saw multiple firsts for Southern Cross, including the first Women's Hockey team and Oz Tag team to represent the University at this event.
"This event attracted students from all our main campuses, engaged online students from Sydney, Canberra, and the Sunshine Coast, and provided global students from the Study Abroad program with an enriching cross-cultural exchange experience. The competition was also the driver for the return to social sport for many sporting teams on the Gold Coast," Dylan said.
Representing Southern Cross University was a proud moment for University Team Captain and OzTag Team Captain Kytelan Neveceral.
"It was amazing getting to know students from all the sports and experience playing against other universities in Australia," he said.
For University Team Captain and Netball Captain Pagie Wilkie, the highlight was the strength of the Southern Cross University teams.
"We were so fortunate to take such an amazing group of athletes from all three of our campuses for such an epic week of sport - so proud!" she said. "UniSport Nationals was a week I don't think any of us will forget, and we're all keen to do it again in Perth in 2026."
Being able to showcase non-academic skills is something Sophie Sutton, Overall Women's Cycling Champion, truly values: "I found it really special that we students were able to showcase some of our own skills or talents outside of university, with the opportunity to represent Southern Cross University.
"Many of my peers may not have known that I am a cyclist outside of uni, and vice versa for their sports. This made for a super exciting week for everyone to enjoy."
Hockey Team Captain Natasha Parkinson highlighted the team spirit sporting events foster: "UniSport Nationals was a great week – getting to watch other sports, be part of the amazing Southern Cross camaraderie and team spirit, and make new friends made the whole experience unforgettable.
"Every single player gave it their all, pushing through injuries and showing incredible determination and team spirit, in a week full of laughs, memories, and fun."
UniSport Nationals will be held in Perth next year, and Southern Cross University will aim to continue its sporting success at this prestigious event.
