At UniSC, we’re committed to helping student athletes thrive in both sport and study. All accepted members receive tailored support designed to balance academic and athletic commitments.

There are two levels of support available:

• High Performance Student Athlete (HPSA) – for athletes competing at national or international levels

• Student / Pathways Athlete – for developing athletes on the rise in their sporting journey

No matter your level, we’re here to support your goals in sport, study and beyond.

High Performance Student Athlete 

(Tiers 1, 2 and 3. If not funded already by Professional Team / NSO / NIN)

• Athletes must be actively competing at the open national or international level in a sport recognised by Sport Australia, OR actively competing in a top Australian professional sporting league (full team member of pro team, identified as a member of national training squad / team, categorised with QAS).
• Access to the S&C Services provided by Dr Aaron Turner - One assessment and program per quarter. Suppose an athlete uses a program provided by a NIN, or a recognised and verified ASCA Level 2 Professional Coach. In that case, Dr Aaron Turner will review and induct the athlete into the facility, but not manage their programs.
• Access to train in the High Performance gym during approved HPSA access hours.
• Access to the swimming and recovery pools and the Sport Precinct  during operational hours.
• Access to the community gym outside of High Performance gym hours during operational hours.

Student / Pathways Athlete

• Athletes who do not meet the above performance level / standards but are actively competing at either the junior or open state level in a sport recognised by Sport Australia, OR actively competing in a top regional sporting league or national university sport league.
• Subsidised access to Sport and fitness Community Gym, Aquatic Recovery Facilities, and Sport Precinct Access
• Subsidised access to the Strength and conditioning services provided by the Sport and fitness Strength and Conditioning staff.

Note: UniSC students coaching or officiating at the above levels are also eligible for this program.

Accountability with performance

HPSA and Student Athlete memberships provide access in line with the university year from the Start of Semester 1 until the end of Semester 2 (approximately nine months).

Monthly usage reports would determine if an athlete is using the facilities.

To remain active at the HPSA level, students must engage with Dr Turner and access the HP Gym at least once each week unless competing or away on sporting trips.

• If a student does not maintain this frequency, they will be downgraded to Student Athlete level, and access will be available at that level.
• If a student does not access any facility at least weekly, HPSA or SA membership would be revoked.
• Athletes would need to apply again to move back in or up membership levels, presenting a letter of support from their coach and evidence of their performances.

Note: Students wishing to train in the High Performance Gym outside the nine months covering UniSC classes must pay a membership fee of A$150 for the 3 months from the end of Semester 2 classes until classes start in Semester 1 the following year.

Find out more

Associate Professor Mark Sayers
High Performance Student Program
Email: msayers@usc.edu.au