At UniSC, high performance athletes excel in study, research, training, and competition, supported by purpose-built facilities, world-leading coaches, performance specialists, and sport and exercise scientists.
Physical performance
High performance athletes and teams benefit from evidence-based strength and conditioning strategies designed to optimise physical preparation and maximise sport performance. Coaches implement comprehensive assessment and screening protocols to identify individual needs, followed by training programs that enhance performance. Recovery methods and load management are strategically integrated to minimise injury risk and support peak performance across training and competition phases.
High Performance Student Athlete program
The High Performance Student Athlete program provides a suite of benefits and services to assist you in balancing the demands of your training and competition schedules with your study commitments so you can achieve your personal best in both pursuits.
Youth Athlete Academy
The UniSC HPS Youth Academy provides a platform to foster the development of school-aged athletes along their sports and education pathways. It is essential to the continued growth of HPS at UniSC. It extends UniSC HPS to the secondary education sector, demonstrating the University’s commitment to its communities and the imperative to build capacity within its regions.
Our sporting connections
At UniSC, we’re proud of our deep and enduring connections with some of the nation’s most respected and high-performing sporting organisations. From national teams to elite local clubs, our partnerships reflect a shared commitment to excellence, community, and athlete development. We are honoured to work alongside the Dolphins NRL, Sunshine Coast Lightning, Australian Cycling Academy, UniSC Spartans Swimming, Sunshine Coast Thunder, Swimming Australia, and the Queensland Academy of Sport—each playing a key role in shaping the future of sport in our region and beyond.
UniSC is the official Tertiary Education Partner of the Dolphins NRL which provides work integrated learning opportunities for students and research opportunities for our academic staff.
Research opportunities
Add to a body of work that includes biomechanics, exercise physiology, psychology, coaching, and motor control and learning. Specialist research laboratories are accredited by the Australian Institute of Sport.
You may also be interested in...
UniSC Clinics
Our UniSC Clinics are open to the public and provide services overseen by appropriately qualified and experienced professionals. Our Clinics include Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Community Counselling and Lifestyle and Performance Nutrition.
Contact the team
UniSC's High Performance Sport team comprises highly qualified professionals with decades of experience and knowledge in competing or preparing athletes for peak performance.
Associate Professor Mark Sayers
Associate Professor, Sports Biomechanics | Director, High Performance Sport | School of Health
Professor Brendan Burkett
Strategic Lead, Brisbane 2032 Games
Associate Professor Mark McKean
Head of Physical Performance in High Performance Sport
Dr Aaron Turner
Physical Performance Coach in High Performance Sport
Kristy Munroe
Relationship Liaison Officer, High Performance Sport