Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers Sienna Hearn and Hayley Ballesty, and Women’s National Development squad member Samantha Hardingham have been selected among 51 athletes supported to pursue sport and study with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Athlete Education Scholarship.
Delivered in partnership with former Australian Sports Commission Chair John Wylie AC’s charity, the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation, the AIS Athlete Education Scholarship supports holistic athlete development by helping athletes not only prepare for life after sport but also enhance their performance whilst still competing.
For Hearn, the scholarship is supporting her Bachelor of Primary Education at Australian Catholic University, Ballesty towards her Honours Degree in Landscape Architecture at UNSW and Hardingham her Bachelor of Medical Science at UTS.
Since 2020, the AIS Athlete Education Scholarship program has supported 278 athletes with more than $850,000 towards their education. This year’s cohort spans 22 universities and TAFEs across the country and represents 22 national sporting organisations.
That support is set to continue through to the LA 2028 Games, with the AIS and John and Myriam Wylie Foundation committing to a further two years of the program.
“The AIS Athlete Education Scholarship is a great example of what Win Well looks like in action,” AIS Director Matti Clements said.
“We know athletes perform at their best when they are supported to grow as people, pursue interests beyond sport and build confidence in their skills and abilities outside of competition.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to John and Myriam Wylie and the Foundation for their support over the past five years and look forward to continuing that partnership as we support athletes on the path to LA 2028.”
Director of the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation, John Wylie AC added: “Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients. The commitment required to balance elite sport and further education is significant, and we commend each athlete for embracing that challenge.
“Over the past five years, we’ve seen firsthand the impact these scholarships can have, helping athletes continue their studies while competing at the highest level and creating opportunities that extend well beyond sport.
“We’re delighted to continue supporting the program and look forward to seeing what this year’s recipients achieve.”
