Knox hosts annual elite athlete expo

Afterwards, students had the opportunity to engage with representatives from the Australian College of Physical Education, EducationUSA, International College of Management, International Sport College Australia, Macquarie University, Southern Cross Athletes, University of New South Wales (UNSW), University of Newcastle, University of Sydney (USYD), and University of Technology Sydney (UTS). 

While at Knox, Dom was in the Swans Academy, CAS Cricket and AFL. Last year, he was the USYD Cricket Club Captain, Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness Non-Executive Director, USYD Consultative Committee, and he’s currently studying a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws. 

As a Knox student, Trystan was in CAS Cricket and CIS Cricket, as well as the NSW Pathways U12–U17. Last year, he was in the Uni Australia Cricket team, the NSW Colts team, and 1st Grade Eastern Suburbs team. He’s currently at a UTS EAP Ambassador, and he’s studying a Bachelor of Business. 

How far into your university course are you? How much longer do you have to go?

Trystan: Completed one semester so far; four subjects. Two and a half years to go.

Dom: Three years, two to go.

What are your post-university plans?

Trystan: My career plan is to play professional sport whether it is in Australia or the UK. Doing a Bachelor of Business helps keep my options open as it is a broad degree.

Dom: I currently work as a paralegal in a law firm. EAP is an important part of being a well-rounded student and applicant.

How long have you been involved in an EAP? And how did you find out about it? 

Trystan: I’ve been involved since I first started at UTS, and I originally found out about it at a PEAK expo. 

Dom: Since the start of uni, and I found out through the website. I am not an elite sportsperson, I just have the opportunity to train at an elite level. EAP is an intimidating name for many, but it should not deter you.

How has your EAP helped you academically? 

Trystan: It has helped with timetable flexibility around my sporting commitments, and it has given me early access to tutorial group selections. It also provides student academic and personal support. With EAP you have someone to talk to when confused or overwhelmed with balancing commitments. 

Dom: All of the above. I was able to study at the London School of Economics and balance my sporting requirements because of EAP support.

How has your EAP helped you with your sport?

Trystan: Access to facilities to train before or after classes at university. This mitigates stress around time management and allows me to train and perform with a clear headspace. 

Dom: Every aspect of uni life. I personally would not be still playing sport at a high level without it.

How has your EAP helped you personally?

Trystan: It has provided me with opportunities to represent internationally and play interstate and meet like-minded people who are going through similar journeys. It helps make my timetable as flexible as possible to allow for training and casual work.

Dom: More than anything it provides a link to the university beyond academics. Being involved has opened doors and created friendships that I would not have otherwise. 

Any tips/advice you would give your younger self? 

Trystan: Don't rush yourself into anything; you’ve got time. Take every opportunity that comes your way. It's a chance to meet new people and gain experience which may always come in handy. Uni is a lot of fun, get involved in clubs, and become an EAP ambassador.

Dom: Seek discomfort. Turn up to club events, turn up to training, and dive in the deep end sometimes. The more you put yourself out there at uni the more you will be rewarded in spades.