A dozen students from all corners of Australian Catholic University have the golden chance to add international silverware to their packed trophy cabinet against the best collegiate netballers in Australasia.
Budding teachers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, exercise scientists and nurses have added a bold challenge to their already packed end of semester schedule to contest the UniSport Trans-Tasman Netball Competition in Auckland.
With the support of ACU's Elite Athlete and Performer Program (EAPP), Bachelor of Education student Georgia Shattock has squeezed in her practicum placement at St Joseph's College Echuca ahead of the tournament.
She will lead the two-time national champions against University of Technology Sydney, Auckland University and Auckland University of Technology.
The defender likened the UniSport standard to the fierce Victorian Netball League and other state leagues from where most of the Australian players have been selected.
"It's tough because the ACU players are spread across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland and we can't train together year-round like some teams," Georgia said.
"We usually meet on a Sunday then start the games the next day.
"So, we concentrate on bonding. The first few days are fun but then it gets serious because we all want to win."
The week-long playing and cultural experience is one to cherish, and an additional playing pathway, for the group who won consecutive UniSport titles in 2023-24 before finishing second to UTS at the Gold Coast in 2025.
Many of the ACU players will remain in the squad to contest the 2026 UniSport Nationals in Perth and there is a likelihood the Trans-Tasman tournament will become an annual event.
"It's immensely important to strike a balance between healthy mind and healthy body for all our students," ACU Acting Director, Student Experience Anthony Whitty said.
"That's why through the EAPP we support and encourage our student athletes to pursue what's important to them."
Georgia is poised to become a second-generation teacher after commencing a Bachelor of Education course at ACU in 2024.
She has represented Northeast Blaze under-23s in the VNL and is set to join Boroondara Express in 2026.
The EAPP helps students to juggle their academic and performance goals, and in Georgia's case program coordinator Clare Meulenbroek wrangled a smooth transition between prac and the New Zealand tour.
"I wouldn't have been able to go otherwise," Georgia said.
"Then Clare jumped in worked her magic. It's great to have that flexibility."
ACU squad – Olicia Simone (Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Exercise Science), Beth Abbott (Bachelor of Exercise Science/Bachelor of Business Administration), Georgia Shattock (Bachelor of Education), Alyssa Pearse (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy), Jayde Parsons (Bachelor of High Performance Sport), Emma Humphreys (Bachelor of Physiotherapy), Lara Richards (Bachelor of Physiotherapy), Sophie Hennessy (Bachelor of Nursing), Chelsea Whittle (Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science), Kiahna Fallon (Bachelor of Physiotherapy), Hannah Selby (Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Exercise Science). Coach: Simone Waddle.
