Exercise & Sports Science

The course has taken my personal training to the next level (evidence-based training). It has also given me the opportunity to work with the West Coast Eagles.

I went to China last year and worked with coaches from China's Olympic team and I will possibly be in Sri Lanka later this year with their athletes and continue to fast track my development as a Sports Scientist.

I did my research beforehand and found Exercise & Sports Science can pave the way for different career paths. Strength & Conditioning, Exercise Physiology and Teaching Physical Education to name a few, but there are so many more.

I chose ECU because of their corporate partnerships with some of our country's biggest sporting organisations, including the West Coast Eagles, WACA, Wildcats, etc.

When asked about Ricky's placement, West Coast Eagles General Manager (Community and Game Development) Richard O'Connell said, "Ricky is actively involved in the running of our Academies, learning from experienced coaches and elite players."

"His enthusiasm is a great reflection of the support Edith Cowan University provide their students. His journey is a great path for others to follow.

I chose to study a postgraduate degree in Strength and Conditioning at Edith Cowan University to improve my instructive skills as a sport performance coach with The Oklahoma City Thunder. During the vetting process for a master's program, it was highly recommended by colleagues working in elite sport to strongly consider ECU. After doing my own investigation, it was an easy decision.

The degree is available online with a two-week on-campus practicum component, and offers a great learning opportunity to explore both the coaching and scientific side of strength and conditioning. The practicum was a once in a lifetime experience where I was able to establish a worldwide network of some of the brightest minds in the industry. During the course of my studies, I have learned skills that are applicable to my work as an Athletic Performance Coach in the NBA, and beyond.

I wanted to complete a course that is world-class in its field to get recognition when applying for work. ECU has a reputation as being one of the leading universities worldwide when it comes to studying Sports Science.

This helps attract people from all over the world to study the course and allowed for great networking opportunities. The on-campus workshops were the highlight of the course and provided the chance to gain practical experience while developing relationships with people in many fields who I now call my friends.

While trying to complete my Master's, I was attempting to make my second Olympic team. The course structure, the online accessibility, and the availability of the lecturers helped me to manage everything. I still keep in contact with the lecturers who are more than willing to provide helpful advice.

Once graduated, I was able to apply for positions that I would not have been considered for previously. It has given me the applied knowledge in certain areas of Sports Science that I apply every day.