A former professional ballerina and a competitive weightlifter are among more than 70 students aiming for new career highs as they pioneer the University of the Sunshine Coast’s first physiotherapy degree.
Maggie Bryan, 26, of Caloundra, and Taj Marsh, 21, of Noosa, this week started their second semester of the new four-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours).
The students are combining a love of sports and science to help more people build, maintain and recover their physical health, whether or not they are elite athletes.
Maggie, who danced professionally from age 15 to 22, returned from working as a scuba dive instructor in Thailand to apply for the initial intake of the sought-after degree on campus at the Sunshine Coast.
Taj, a two-time Oceania Junior Champion and Junior Commonwealth Champion in weightlifting, made the switch to physiotherapy from his UniSC studies in clinical exercise physiology.
Associate Professor and registered physiotherapist Cherie Wells said the first cohort of physiotherapy students were showing great passion and commitment for improving the health of people regardless of age, injury, illness or disability.
“This degree was developed with clinical partners to match graduates to job opportunities in private and public practice, particularly in regional areas with high patient demand and limited resources,” said Dr Wells.
Maggie’s story
“I grew up travelling on a bus before landing in Coolum Beach. At age 15, I left Good Shepherd Lutheran College at Noosaville to move to Brisbane to pursue my passion for ballet.
“I trained at the Queensland Ballet Academy in a program designed for elite dancers aiming for a professional career. I spent mornings training at the academy and afternoons completing academic studies at Kelvin Grove State College.
“While I understood the importance of finishing school as a backup plan, especially given how competitive and uncertain a ballet career can be, my world at that time revolved around dance. It really was ‘eat, sleep, and breathe ballet’ for me.
“In the ballet world, I had constant exposure to physiotherapists through rehab programs as well as general maintenance. This sparked my interest in the field.
“After six years of dancing professionally, I took time to explore life beyond the studio before committing to university study. I became a scuba diving instructor and lived in Thailand, meeting people from all walks of life.
“Interestingly, every physiotherapist I met spoke very highly of their profession, which left a lasting impression on me.
This positivity, UniSC’s new physio program, and my history in movement meant that studying physiotherapy felt like the perfect next step.
“The UniSC degree was on my radar since the day it was announced, and the temptation to be back close to my family and the ocean became too strong to resist. Pioneering this program sounded exciting.
“I’ve been surprised by the diversity in the curriculum from the beginning. We’re already learning anatomy, psychology and other health disciplines. My favourite subject so far is the physiotherapy introductory course because it’s hands-on and practical.
“Another surprise was the age range of people in the course. I came in with the fear I would be the oldest student by far, but I’ve met so many beautiful people from all walks of life and alternate careers.
“It just proves you can change your path at any time in your life.”
Taj’s story
“I was born in Takapuna, New Zealand but have lived on the Sunshine Coast since I was a baby. My favourite subjects at Sunshine Beach State High School were surfing and fitness, physical education, and physics.
“Sport played an enormous role in high school for me. I was swimming age champion, national champion and record holder in Olympic weightlifting, and a competitive surf life saver. I patrolled as a volunteer lifesaver for the Noosa Heads Surf Club.
“My volunteer work is now slightly different. I’m president of the Noosa Barbell Club, assisting in the development and nurturing of the next generation of lifters in the area.
“My interest in physiotherapy arose from being a high-performing athlete with a history of dealing with injury, such as a long-term wrist condition that impacted on my competition and conditioning plans. I experienced the effectiveness of quality treatment.
“I want to enable more people to live meaningful lives by maximising their body’s movement and functioning. This career offers me a means of paying forward with others, notably athletes who require someone in their corner.
“I studied clinical exercise physiology part-time at UniSC for two-and-a-half years but when the Physio degree was introduced, I knew it was my way forward. I transferred credits and can stay near family and continue training with my dad – my coach.
“UniSC has a wonderful support base with the High Performance Student Athlete (HPSA) program, a combination of academic learning and high-level sport. I train six times a week and coordinate that around work and studying.
“The degree is certainly academically challenging but the small group makes it feel like I’m part of a close-knit team. The sense of belonging is a bonus.
“My younger sister has started a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) here at UniSC, so we're in our first year of being on campus together.
“Currently I’m gunning for qualification in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in the 110kg weight class. The next aim after that is a long-term campaign towards the 2028 and 2032 Olympics.”
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