Clara Wigley (pictured handling the ball) playing netball.
The Athlete Education Scholarship (AES), supported by the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation, provides a total of $200,000 in education funding to categorised high-performance athletes, with $50,000 specifically allocated to Para-athletes. In 2025, scholarships have been awarded to 65 athletes, including 50 able-bodied and 15 Para-athletes, across 22 National Sporting Organisations and 27 tertiary institutions.
Clara, who is studying a Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science) leading to becoming an Occupational Therapist, said her passion for the field was inspired by her experience as an athlete and recovery from numerous injuries.
"As a high-performance netball athlete, I've faced and managed injuries, which has given me firsthand insight into rehabilitation and recovery processes," Clara said.
"This experience has deepened my understanding of the importance of movement, function, and tailored rehabilitation in helping individuals return to their best physical condition."
Balancing university studies with elite-level netball and multiple part-time jobs, Clara says the scholarship will allow her to reduce work hours and invest more time into both her training and education.
These scholarships were created to support athletes, like Clara, balance their academic ambitions and future career paths with sport.
"High-performance athletes dedicate so much of themselves in the pursuit of sporting excellence. It's an incredible commitment, but one that often comes with personal and financial sacrifices along the way," John Wylie, AC, said.
Clara now plans to use the scholarship funds to help cover her university fees and netball-related travel expenses, giving herself the best opportunity to succeed both academically and athletically.
The maximum scholarship amount available to each recipient is $5,000. Exact amounts are determined by the AIS as part of the assessment process.
View the full list of recipients on the Athlete Education Scholarship website.
Clara Wigley: Athlete Education Scholarship recipient.
These scholarships were created to support athletes, like Clara, balance their academic ambitions and future career paths with sport.
"High-performance athletes dedicate so much of themselves in the pursuit of sporting excellence. It's an incredible commitment, but one that often comes with personal and financial sacrifices along the way," John Wylie, AC, said.
Clara now plans to use the scholarship funds to help cover her university fees and netball-related travel expenses, giving herself the best opportunity to succeed both academically and athletically.
The maximum scholarship amount available to each recipient is $5,000. Exact amounts are determined by the AIS as part of the assessment process.
View the full list of recipients on the Athlete Education Scholarship website.
