5 September 2007 By Emma Schiller
While describing a netballer, a sailor and a footballer taking to the golf course may sound like the first line of a joke, last week the Lane Cove Country club played a group of fledgling golfers who boasted an uncommon depth of sporting talent. The golfing lesson was an opportunity for Macquarie Bank’s female scholarship holders to meet their mentors: Australian netball captain Liz Ellis, beach volleyball Olympic gold medallist Kerri Pottharst and Olympic swimming Silver Medallist, Kirsten Thomson.
Three of Sydney University’s female athletes were awarded the inaugural Young Women’s Professional Development scholarships and so were privileged to accompany their mentors across the putting greens. Current Sydney Uni student athletes Jacqueline Bonnticha (sailing), Susan Pratley (netball) and Emma Schiller (soccer) were presented with the scholarships at the program’s launch on 26 July 2007.
The scholarships aim to provide elite young sportswomen with the opportunity to equip themselves with the networks and resources necessary to make a smooth transition from the sporting arena to the workplace. The scholarship provides financial support, career and sporting mentoring, work experience and casual employment in recognition that the majority of female athletes are studying or working full time to support themselves as they compete in their particular sports.
Jacqueline, Susan and Emma have already been provided with opportunities for work experience programs with particular areas of Macquarie Bank that are most relevant to the fields of study. The girls can also look forward to joining the Red Dust tours, which travel to regional centres to provide sports clinics and role model forums for young women.
Jacqueline Bonnitcha – Sailing
Age: 22
University Studies: Bachelor of Commerce (Liberal Studies)
Sporting highlights: World Champion 29er Class (mixed sex/all ages), 6th in World University Championships 2005, Australian University Female Athlete of the Year 2006, Crew Member of AAPT in 2005 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Susan Pratley – Netball
Age: 23
University Studies: Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Law
Sporting highlights: Commonwealth Games silver medallist Melbourne 2006, Australian Netball team 2006-07, Australian 21 and Under Netball Team (Captain 2001).
Emma Schiller
Age: 21
University Studies: Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications)
Sporting highlights: Sydney University Blue 2005, Australian University Representative Team 2005-06, SuperLeague First Grade 2001-07, NSWIS 2001
The Professional Development Scholarships are awarded for one year.