Melbourne University Sport is once again leading the industry with award-winning, innovative programs with the Strong Women Network being recognised as UniSport Australia’s Most Outstanding University Sport Project or Program in 2020.
The Network is a mentoring program that brings together women student-athletes and professional women who are current or former athletes, coaches or sport administrators in the University community. Participants were matched according to their sport, career, field of study and broader life interests. The Network supported students to develop meaningful relationships with their mentee and encouraged all participants to attend a series of networking events to foster connections within the cohort. Thirty-five mentor/mentee pairs took part in the program including current student-athletes who received support and guidance from their mentors regarding balancing sport and academia, career pathways, and thriving through adversity.
The program was originally launched in 2019 and welcomed its second intake of participants in 2020. Despite the immediate setback of successive COVID lockdowns, the program continued remotely with both group and individual sessions on Zoom, phone, email and text message.
The response from the University community was enormous, with women leaders taking on mentor roles willingly. Leadership Manager Bridgid Junot said, “For many of the mentors the experience gave them a greater sense of connection to the University that they missed since moving into the professional world, inspired them to reconnect with their sport and for some, possibly take it up again.”
Strong Women Mentor Alex Lawlor and patron of the University's AON 7’s team said, “I felt privileged to be in the company of young women who are so passionate, dedicated and courageous. The program allowed me to tap into my years of experience to help them along their journeys and give back to my alma mater in a way that is authentic to my values. These women are the leaders of the future – they are already amazing, and I can’t wait to see them make their next big moves – on and off the sports field.”
For Strong Women students, the overwhelming sentiment was that the program became somewhat of a lifeline, as it helped them connect to women in similar situations to whom they could lean on for support and advice. “This program was amazing as it helped me expand my network as I finish university and look towards a career. It was especially useful for building connections during COVID, while we were more isolated from friends and community,” Strong Women mentee Asha Steer said.
UniSport Australia is the peak governing body of University Sport in Australia.
The Strong Women Network is seeking new mentors and mentees to take part in the 2021 Network. Click here for more information, or to register your interest.