Elite Sport & Performer Program Scholarships

Hayley represents Australia in bobsleigh and has competed on the IBSF World Cup and Europe Cup circuits. One of her most significant achievements was being selected as an Olympic alternate for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. While training and competing internationally, Hayley has continued her Bachelor of Education (with a High Distinction average!) at Victoria University, demonstrating exceptional dedication to both her academic and sporting goals. She is now working towards selection for the 2030 Winter Olympic Games.

Danny is a member of the Australian National Judo Team and has represented Australia internationally since 2019 in the -90kg division. He represented Australia at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, progressing to the bronze medal match. A multiple-time Australian National Champion and Oceania Champion, Danny has achieved a top-25 world ranking while competing on the International Judo Federation World Tour. Alongside his Bachelor of Sport Science studies at Victoria University, Danny also volunteers as a strength and conditioning coach and judo coach, supporting the development of the next generation of athletes.

Gemma is an internationally accomplished soprano currently performing as a full-time soloist with Vienna's Volksoper Wien while also appearing as a guest artist with Opera Australia. Her career has included performances in leading roles across opera, operetta and musical theatre, with training at prestigious institutions including The Juilliard School and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. Despite the demands of an international performance schedule, Gemma continues her studies in a Master of Teaching at Victoria University while representing Australian talent on some of the world's most respected stages.

Aiden is Australia's leading heavyweight taekwondo athlete and currently ranks among the world's best in his division. A silver medallist at the 2024 Junior World Championships and former Junior Australian Team Captain, Aiden has successfully transitioned into senior international competition, representing Australia at World Championships and Grand Prix events. After completing the Foundations at VU this year, Aiden looks to commence a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Victoria University. Now training with the National Performance Centre and Victorian Institute of Sport, he is pursuing further international success as he works towards his long-term elite sporting goals.

Sahara has established herself as one of Victoria's most promising young netballers through her progression across the Victorian and Australian high-performance pathways. A four-time Victorian State Team representative and member of the Australian 19 & Under Squad, Sahara was selected in the Vixens Academy in 2026, where she received the Rising Star Award. Alongside her sporting commitments, she is studying a Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy)/Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) at Victoria University and continues to develop her leadership skills through the Victorian Institute of Sport Leadership Program.

Bianca has established herself as one of Victoria University's leading distance runners through outstanding performances on the national and international athletics stage. A dual World University Games representative, Bianca has represented Australia in both cross country and the half marathon, finishing as the first Australian female across the line at both the World University Cross Country Championships and the World University Games half marathon. Alongside studying a Bachelor of Exercise Science at Victoria University, Bianca actively contributes to the university's sporting community through student panels, media opportunities and mentorship initiatives.

Layla has continued to excel both in and out of the pool while studying at Victoria University. A club captain and role model for younger swimmers, Layla regularly qualifies for state and national championships and achieved an A-Final appearance at the Australian Short Course Championships. Alongside maintaining her academic commitments, she has received outstanding feedback during her professional placements and remains dedicated to balancing training, competition, work and study while overcoming personal and financial challenges.

Khushnoor has emerged as one of Australia's leading young pole vaulters, earning selection to represent Australia at the 2026 World Under 20 Athletics Championships. A two-time Australian Under 20 National Champion and former Australian All Schools champion and record holder, Khushnoor has consistently excelled at both junior and open levels of competition. While balancing university study with elite sport, she continues to demonstrate resilience, discipline and pride in her cultural background as a first-generation Australian.

Oscar has enjoyed an outstanding year across two elite sports, earning selection in both the Australian Wheelchair Basketball and Para Rowing national development squads. He represented Australia at the Kitakyushu Champions Cup in Japan and has achieved success at state and national level in wheelchair basketball, including a Victorian State League championship. In para rowing, Oscar claimed multiple gold medals throughout the year including an Oceania Championship title, highlighting his exceptional versatility and commitment to high-performance sport.

Dash is a 400m sprinter and proud Indigenous athlete who recently earned selection to the Australian team for the World Athletics Under 20 Championships following a podium finish at the Australian Athletics Championships. A multiple award-winning athlete, Dash has also achieved success on the professional athletics circuit and is a member of the Athletics Victoria and Victorian Institute of Sport Target Talent Program. Studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Victoria University, he continues to balance full-time study with national and international competition while pursuing his long-term goal of representing Australia at the Olympic Games.

Nils has successfully balanced high-performance badminton with outstanding academic success, maintaining a High Distinction average throughout his studies at Victoria University. Ranked among Australia's leading doubles players, Nils has competed at national and international events including the Australian National Championships and Oceania Championships. Beyond competition, he is committed to growing the sport through coaching and mentoring both junior and adult athletes, demonstrating strong leadership and dedication to his community.

Georgia has excelled both academically and athletically while studying Victoria University's Bachelor of Applied Movement Sciences/Master of Physiotherapy. Maintaining an impressive High Distinction average, Georgia has also represented Victoria at national hockey championships, earning multiple medals across indoor hockey competitions. A respected leader within the sport, she has captained Victorian state teams, coached and mentored emerging athletes, and contributes to the hockey community through umpiring and development pathways.