Studying towards a Bachelor of Sport Coaching in Physical Education
With sport a massive part of Grace’s life, she always knew that her future career would somehow involve her biggest passion.
Grace is particularly keen on becoming a Physical Education teacher, thanks to her time at Christchurch Girls High School.
"I had amazing teachers who dedicated their time to making us better people; their positivity and passion for what they were doing truly inspired me to be a teacher," she says.
She is also a keen rugby player, having played Canterbury women’s rugby for two years, and is currently playing semi-professionally on the side. Grace’s teams have won two national titles during her time, and in the 2018 Mainpower North Canterbury Sports Awards she was given the Rural Livestock Outstanding Junior Sportswoman award.
"I have played rugby for 16 years now and still love every minute of it, I am lucky enough to be able to train and play alongside and against some of the best in the world."
Wanting to stay in Canterbury for her rugby meant UC was the best choice of university, especially with its Sport Coaching degree programme. Grace was also awarded an Emerging Leaders Scholarship for her first year, which recognises her leadership potential.
"I really love the vibe UC gives off, everyone is always so happy and just loving being themselves," she says.
"My study involves learning key skills for teaching and directing physical education. It’s very practical, ranging from games in the gym to going out and learning kayaking techniques. This gives you a real appreciation and insight into how different people process information. I really enjoy my course of study and it relates back into my sport well."
Alongside her PE teaching goal, Grace hopes to continue her semi-professional rugby and go onto representing New Zealand in the future.
"It’s great because the degree can veer off into heaps of different studies and eventually jobs, there is definitely something for everyone," she says.
