UNSW Sport May Recap
We take a look back at the month that was for the UNSW sporting community.
We take a look back at the month that was for the UNSW sporting community.
May was a dynamic month for sports at UNSW with impressive performances and significant achievements in various disciplines. From water polo to basketball, and from athletics to boccia, UNSW athletes experienced a lot of firsts in May.
The UNSW Wests men’s water polo team concluded their season with a commendable 5th place finish in the National Water Polo League. Captain Nathan Power was honored as Senior Athlete of the Year at the 2024 Water Polo Australia annual awards. Furthermore, six players from the Wests Magpies and Killer Whale club were named in the Olympic squad bound for Paris: Nathan Power, John Hedges, Charlie Negus, Angus Lambie, Bronte Halligan, and Matt Byrnes. A massive congratulations and we cannot wait to see you compete in July!
Our partnership with the Sydney Swans again delivering a wonderful evening for the Marn Grook round against Carlton. UNSW Sport, Arc Sport, and Nura Gili collaborated to offer students an enriching experience for 180 students who attended the game, witnessing the Swans' victory over Carlton with a score of 117-65. The event celebrating indigenous culture and football, providing a memorable evening for all involved.
James Tirado's selection to the Australian Senior Para Athletics team is another feather in his cap for an already impressive 2024. He will compete in the 100m at the upcoming Oceania Championships.
Tamsin Colley was named Football NSW Female Player of the Year for her outstanding contributions with the ParaMatildas and the Asian Oceania Championship squad. Her work with the club’s community and her role as an ambassador for the Cerebral Palsy Sporting and Recreation Association were also recognized, highlighting her commitment both on and off the field.
Jamieson Leeson added to her impressive resume by claiming the pairs silver medal at the Montreal Boccia World Cup. Additionally, she is set to compete in the Paralympics in Paris this August, having already represented Australia in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
The UNSW women’s basketball team had an eventful first season in the University Basketball League (UBL). Despite a hard-fought effort, they lost in the qualifying finals to the University of Tasmania (UTAS) with a score of 56-43. A unique highlight of the game was captain Ella Pinkerton matching up against her twin sister, Josie, from UTAS. A little sibling rivalry sure added an interesting twist to an already competitive game.
At the UniSport Nationals Swimming, the UNSW women’s team placed 19th overall, while the men’s team secured a 9th place finish. Together, they ranked 13th overall which was a massive effort from our swimming team this year.
May brought a series of noteworthy accomplishments for our UNSW athletes in a variety of sports. From pool to the track, from the court to the SCG, it was another incredible month here at UNSW and we are super excited leading into June.