13 August 2019, Rowena Williams and Alex Ferguson
Asha Steer (Bachelor of Environments) was awarded the 2018 UniSport Australia’s Most Outstanding Performance for an Indigenous Student-Athlete. This is an outstanding achievement for Asha who has been a model athlete and student over the past three years at the University of Melbourne.
Steer has been representing not only the University at National sporting events, winning silver at the 2018 Div 1 Uni Nationals, but also representing Australia at an international level, competing at the 2018 FISU World University Championship for Orienteering.
“Being able to not only to represent Australia on the world stage but also the Aboriginal community feels pretty awesome,” remarked Steer when asked about the importance of her Indigenous heritage in her representative sport.
“When I’m competing, I feel I don’t just have my friends and immediate family’s support but also the support of all the mob across Australia and especially at Melbourne Uni.”
Whilst a celebration of her success, the award has also given Steer a great sense of pride in the role she plays as a student-athlete for the University.
“I always feel very honoured to represent my country, uni, and heritage in sport, so this recognition is really special.”
But for Steer, the award really demonstrates the incredible talent that exists and the importance of inspiring other Indigenous athletes to succeed.
“It means a huge amount to me to receive this award. I was actually really surprised that I was chosen considering the other incredible athletes who were nominated for it.”
Steer has been a valuable part of the Melbourne University Sport community and continues to strive for excellence in sport and academic works.
“The team MU Sport has to support their elite athletes is incredible, and it’s the passion and commitment of these amazing people that keep Indigenous athlete-students like me performing our best.”