The University of Queensland (UQ) has awarded 47 student-athletes the prestigious honour of a UQ Sporting Scholarship for 2025. This year’s cohort includes Australian Diamonds star Cara Koenen, rising cricket talent Callum Vidler, and record-breaking sprinter Lachlan Kennedy. Joining them are Olympic and Paralympic stars Lakeisha Patterson, Rachael Watson, Tobiah Goffsassen, and Tatum Stewart, highlighting the strength of UQ’s sporting talent.
The scholarship recipients include 32 female and 15 male athletes, representing 20 different sports. The Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Behavioural Sciences leads the way as the most represented faculty among this year’s scholars, with 20 students in the program.
All 47 recipients will have access to UQ Sport’s athlete support programs, helping them balance their studies with the demands of elite-level sport. UQ Sport Acting Chief Executive Officer Pamela Abrey stated that the UQ Sporting Scholarship program allows student-athletes to balance the demands of elite-level sport with academic pursuits.
“The UQ Sport Elite Athlete Program provides student-athletes with academic tutoring, professional workshops, as well as access to Strength and Conditioning sessions and access to UQ Sport’s fitness facilities” Pamela said.
Awarded a Sports Achievement Scholarship, Australian Diamonds shooter Cara Koenen is using the opportunity to pursue a Master of Molecular Imaging Technology while continuing her netball career at the highest level. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “the support that UQ has offered me has been incredible and I cannot recommend the Elite Athlete Program enough.”
Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours) student Callum Vidler recently inked a deal with the Brisbane Heat and is now among the 2025 UQ Sporting Scholarship recipients. With his sights set on both professional cricket and academic excellence, Vidler is embracing the opportunities the scholarship provides.
“I am very grateful for receiving a Sports Achievement Scholarship and am very thankful to UQ for providing me the opportunity to access the Elite Athlete Program” Callum said.
3-time Paralympian and recipient of The Matthew Levy OAM Future Paralympian Scholarship, Rachael Watson, continues in the program for 2025 after winning 2 bronze medals at the Paris Paralympics. Rachael expressed her appreciation, saying “Matthew Levy is giving people like me a scholarship to study and to do something that we love. It is a great reminder that sport is one part of our life, but education is just as important, and you have to be able to put 100% into both.”
Rachael further stated “I am excited about growing para-sport and I want to inspire the next wave of successful athletes in the lead up to Brisbane 2032.”
With the support of their UQ Sporting Scholarship, this year’s recipients will balance elite-level competition with academic pursuits, leaving a legacy well beyond their sporting achievements and inspiring the next generation of aspiring athletes as we look towards Brisbane 2032.
View the full list of 2025 UQ Sporting Scholarship recipients
Media: UQ Sport Marketing, marketing@uqsport.com.au
