My name is Madeleine Prizeman and I am a second-year student at CQU, studying a Bachelor of Science (Criminology and Psychology). I am also a CQUniCares North Queensland Sports Foundation Scholarship recipient currently playing Water Polo in Townsville and often travelling for State and National Carnivals.
My recent sporting achievements:
Earlier this year, I represented Queensland (QLD) in Canberra at the Australian Country Championships, where I achieved the Top Goal Scorer for my QLD Country Team. Previously, I have competed at the 2021 and 2022 Queensland Country State Championships. As a result, I made the Queensland Country Team to compete at the Australian Country Championships, whilst juggling my study commitments at CQU. I also recently competed at the North Queensland Games which was hosted in Townsville, as well as the Queensland State Championships where I competed and refereed.
Juggling study and sporting commitments:
I am finding my course very interesting and full of new information every class! The support from lecturers and CQU staff has been a really big help, especially during times when I have a lot of events on at once and must travel down south or even interstate. They are very understanding and show endless support to get me through my study commitments, whilst juggling training, travel and competitions. My scholarship has also helped me immensely, as it has taken some of the financial stress away as I have had to travel away for my meets in Term 1. It has also helped to pay for my training fees and equipment in order to make these State and National Teams.
I am forever thankful for the opportunities CQU and the CQUniCares North Queensland Sports Foundation have provided me.
Studying regionally in Townsville (North Queensland) has had some challenges with my water polo commitments, however CQU has been perfect and fully accommodating of this. With my Bachelor of Science (Criminology and Psychology) available online, it has allowed me to study from home whilst continuing my sport in Townsville. Living rurally as an athlete has meant I have had to travel south or even interstate for my competitions. The Australian Country Championships this year were hosted in Canberra (Australian Capital Territory) which meant I had to catch multiple flights to and from the event. I also had to take an extra day off from my casual job, either side of the competition for travel. However, with the help of the CQUniCares North Queensland Sports Foundation Scholarship, I was able to attend this event and others.
How my scholarship is making a difference and my advice to other athletes contemplating study at CQU:
My scholarship is giving me the greatest opportunity to develop my sporting career whilst advancing my education through CQU. This incredible scholarship is helping me to pay for things related to university and sport, such as textbooks, stationary, coaching fees, travel for sport and many other required needs. I would like to thank the North Queensland Sports Foundation for their constant support, as well as all the Criminology and Psychology Lecturers and Unit Coordinators.
If you are an athlete or coach considering study at CQU, I would highly recommend as they have been nothing but supportive and encouraging towards my study and sport commitments.
