Softball player Callum Beashel has been awarded the University’s most prestigious sporting honour, Sportsperson of the Year, at the University of Newcastle’s Sports Awards held last night at the Conservatorium of Music.
The awards, presented annually in conjunction with NUsport, acknowledge the exceptional sporting achievements of students at the University.
Callum, who is completing a PhD in Biological Sciences, was among 13 student athletes and clubs who were recognised at the awards, with categories including University Blues, University Colours, Sports Club of the Year, Team of the Year, and Sports Person of the Year.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky said the Sports Awards were a reflection of the University’s commitment to supporting students to achieve their best on and off the sporting field.
“Sport and extra-curricular activities are defining parts of the university experience, and the Sports Awards are a celebration of not just medals won but of the personal qualities it takes to win them,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“We are proud to have a dynamic group of students and community members, ranging from social sports through to elite athlete programs at our University. We provide elite student athletes with access to sport and academic scholarships, access to premier sporting facilities and opportunities to represent our University.”
Students who received a sporting scholarship in 2023 were also acknowledged on the evening.
“Scholarships can provide the financial support that allows students to focus on their academic and sporting endeavours. We are grateful for the support of donors such as University of Newcastle Mechanical Engineering Alumnus Andrew Brown and Friends of the University whose financial support can alleviate some of the financial pressure for student athletes,” Professor Zelinsky said.
Callum, who lists competing in the Softball World Cup as a career highlight, said he was proud to be recognised alongside other great athletes at the University.
“The highlight of my sporting career is definitely winning the World Cup for Australia at the end of last year. It takes a lot of time commitment and sacrifice, along with the ups and downs to get to that point, so to finally come out on top is the highlight of my career,” Callum Beashel said.
“Receiving the Sportsperson of the Year award is an honour, especially considering the calibre of athletes we have across the University. The University has given me so many opportunities not just in my degree but also to participate in sport while I am studying and I’m really grateful for that.”
Aden Searant (Swimming) and Emma Hopkins (Athletics – Pole Vault) were presented with the University Blues and Mitchell Eckford (Cricket) and Phillip Tingle (Mountaineering) were awarded the University Colours.
The University of Newcastle Mountaineering Club was awarded Club of the Year and the Uni Nationals Div 1 Mixed Touch Football side was named Team of the Year.The University has around 200 athletes in its Elite Athlete Network, which supports student athletes to achieve academic and sport excellence while studying.
The program assists student athletes to manage study commitments, provides flexibility around sporting commitments and facilitates access to networking and personal development opportunities.
