The Australian National University Australian Football Club (ANUAFC), in partnership with SMEC Australia Pty Ltd (SMEC), is proud to announce Alexandra Williams as the 2018 Women’s Leadership Scholarship awardee.
Alex has achieved sporting excellence previously, excelling at range of sports including softball and soccer and representing both the Riverina district and state. More recently, Alex has shifted her focus to AFL, playing one season in the AFL Canberra women’s competition and trialling for GWS in the rookie open day last year.
Williams said “this scholarship will give me the confidence to develop my leadership qualities so I can assist other women to learn the game and get more involved, and of course pursue my own dream of playing AFL at the highest level. It will also allow me to better balance my work and football commitments in order to focus on my studies.”
Following the success of the inaugural AFLW competition and surge of interest and participation in women’s in AFL in Canberra and across the nation, ANUAFC has joined forces with SMEC to build on the existing scholarship program.
The selection process was based on a combination of demonstrated athletic ability, potential to play outstanding AFL, academic enrolment, financial need and leadership capability. The field of applicants for the 2018 scholarship was very strong, and the ANUAFC and SMEC would like to thank all those who applied. We are proud of the momentum the scholarship is gaining, providing a platform to support, communicate and promote the importance of diversity and female leadership on the field, on campus, in business and in the community.
The scholarship will be worth $5,000 per annum for the duration of Alex’s study program at ANU. She will also be provided with leadership and career development opportunities, both at the football club and as speaker and ambassador for the ANUAFC, ANU Sport and SMEC.
Club President, Caitlin Roy said “this scholarship further reinforces ANUAFC and SMEC’s commitment to women’s leadership, creating a pathway for future generations of women aspiring to seek academic and professional excellence, and play Australian Football.”
SMEC’s ACT Regional Manager, Dan Spackman, added “We are thrilled for Alex and hope that this scholarship will assist her in charting a course for a long and successful career, inspiring future young women to pursue leadership opportunities in their chosen fields. We also hope this attracts more young women to get involved in playing Australian Rules Football and look forward to seeing Alex enjoy success out on the footy field and bring home the flag for ANUAFC.”
For information in relation to the ANUFC or SMEC, visit www.anuafc.com.au or www.smec.com
