Tell us about your journey with Lawn Bowls. What inspired you to take up this sport?
I started playing lawn bowls in 2008 when I was 13 years old. I was inspired to play after I watched the 2008 World Bowls Championship held at Burnside Bowling Club in Christchurch. When I walked in the gates, I saw a 17-year-old playing for Australia and realised that the sport offered more than just the traditional club bowls; that it could also be colourful, youthful, and very competitive. I’ve been hooked ever since and was lucky to be coached at the beginning by my current personal coach, Vince Roper. He set me up with a solid foundation, which allowed me to thrive and progress in the sport.
2022 was a big year for you! How did it feel winning two bronze medals at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games?
It has been a special year, as I reached some of my dream goals and am excited to build on this success for the future. Winning two bronze medals in Birmingham was a pinnacle moment in my bowling career. It has inspired me to continue to strive to be the best bowler I can be and given me a taste of what it's like to experience standing on the podium. It makes me hungry to try and experience that again one day. The support and excitement our team received from those watching here in New Zealand meant a lot to us and made us proud to represent and win medals for our country.
You also took home the World Champion of Champions Singles title at the end of 2022. Were you expecting to win this?
I was feeling grateful to even be in the position to compete in such a prestigious event, as it takes a lot to qualify to play. It was a result of winning the 2022 National Singles Championships that gave me the opportunity to enter the World Champion of Champion Singles. I trained hard for this event, as it was a target event for me that I hoped to do well in, and it was possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win. To come away with the title is my proudest moment and the biggest highlight to date for my bowls achievements. It means a lot to me that I’ve won my first international gold medal, against some of the best players from around the world.
What’s your training schedule like? How do you manage teaching and competing on the world stage?
I train three to four times a week on the green and usually play on the weekends. This can increase or decrease, depending on what events I'm targeting and when I train at the gym on top of this. Over the past three years, I have taught part-time to help find some balance with work and sport. I will be trying full-time teaching again this year and am looking forward to this challenge. Everything is manageable if I plan well and organise my time carefully.
What brought you to study at UC?
Ever since I was young, I dreamed of being a primary teacher and studying at the Ilam campus. My mum worked for UC for many years and both my parents, grandmother, and sister studied and graduated from UC, so I’ve always had a very strong connection to it. I found that UC offered options for me to be able to tailor my Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) courses to suit the demands of my sport, such as studying part-time or through distance learning. This was important because it meant a lot to me to be able to achieve academically and also achieve in lawn bowls. UC was extremely accommodating and supportive of my various commitments and, in 2016, I was fortunate to be a recipient of the UC Foundation Sports Scholarship. This scholarship made a huge difference to my development as an athlete and student.
Do you have any memories of your time at UC that stand out?
It was a proud moment for me to be awarded the 2017 Blues Award for Sportsperson of the Year. This was a shock for me, as recognition like that can be rare when you play a minority sport like lawn bowls. UC has always acknowledged and celebrated my successes, and I will always be grateful for that.
Any advice for new students coming to UC?
I remember the staff at UC being so welcoming and helpful. If you're a new student, don't hesitate to reach out and seek advice or support. The staff want you to succeed and are there to help you.
Check out Tayla Bruce, one of our Sporting Legends profiles in our 150th Alumni Showcase here.
