Balancing the court and the classroom

Meet Claudia Mawson: a dedicated student of the Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) program at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences (MSPS) and a passionate netball player. Hailing from Echuca in northern Victoria, Claudia has successfully juggled the demands of university studies and competitive netball, embodying the spirit of a true student-athlete.

From a young age, Claudia was drawn to the dynamic and collaborative nature of netball. “I played tennis, danced and did athletics when I was younger, but netball was always my favourite sport. I liked that it was a team sport, so it was a great way to be with my friends,” she recalls. Her mother’s enthusiasm for the sport also played a significant role in her journey.

Currently, Claudia plays for the Melbourne Vixens reserve team (Vic Fury) in the Suncorp Super Netball Reserves competition, and for the Melbourne University Lightning in the Victorian Netball League. She dreams of one day playing professionally for the Vixens. “Netball is of a very high standard in Victoria, so choosing to play in Melbourne allows me to compete against some of the best athletes in the country,” she explains.

Balancing intense training and academic commitments requires strategic planning and flexibility. “As I am not a full-time professional athlete, my schedule changes a lot depending on when opportunities come about. This can make balancing university and netball commitments difficult as it is hard to predict what the upcoming week or month may look like,” she says. Claudia has found that underloading her coursework and maintaining a structured routine helps manage these unpredictable demands. “I try to complete my uni work in normal working hours where I can, three days a week (8-5). This helps to keep me structured when training fluctuates.”

Support systems play a crucial role in her ability to manage both roles effectively. She benefits from the psychological support provided by Netball Victoria, including a designated Wellbeing Coordinator who checks in regularly. “In relation to mental health in sport, I have noticed a shift in the last couple of years. We are contacted regularly by our support staff who look at our work/uni/life schedules to ensure we are balancing our load effectively,” she shares. The University’s Elite Athlete Program also offers assistance when her classes are interrupted by training commitments.

Looking forward to the 2024 Olympics, Claudia is eager to watch track and field events – a passion stemming from her childhood in athletics. She also finds gymnastics incredible and takes great pride in supporting Aussie athletes in any event.

Her advice to other students juggling sports and academics is simple but impactful: communicate early and often with teachers and coordinators. “If you communicate your situation early in the semester, your teachers and coordinators will be much more understanding if something comes up that interrupts your classes or assessments,” she advises. She also recommends underloading during peak seasons, and prioritising self-care through proper nutrition, sleep and social interactions.

Claudia’s journey exemplifies the dedication, resilience and strategic planning required to excel both on the court and in the classroom. Her story is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and support in achieving one's goals.