The 2026 edition of UniSport Nationals was memorable for ECU both on and off the field. Image credit: UniSport Australia.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) students clinched three gold medals to cap off a memorable week competing at the 2026 UniSport Nationals in Perth from 28 September to 2 October.
Held in Western Australia for the first time in four years, the 2026 edition of Australia's premier university sporting event saw more than 5,400 students from 40 Australian universities compete for medals in a wide range of sports.
ECU students clinched three gold medals at the 2026 edition of UniSport Nationals. Image credit: UniSport Australia.
ECU sent its largest ever contingent of students to UniSport Nationals in 2026; 230 ECU students competed across 17 sports and clinched gold medals in futsal, mixed netball and judo.
ECU student Olivia Knight claimed the University's only individual sport gold medal, winning the -63kg division judo final.
In futsal, ECU's men's division 1 side triumphed in a thrilling gold medal match against Monash University, winning 4-3 after extra-time at Curtin Stadium.
ECU's division 1 men's futsal side won gold at UniSport Nationals. Image credit: UniSport Australia.
ECU entered two teams into division 2 of the mixed netball, and both reached medal matches. In the gold medal match, ECU team 1 triumphed over the University of Canberra 60-48, but the University's second mixed netball team missed out on a medal against Monash University in the bronze medal match.
ECU's division 2 women's basketball won silver after an exhilarating final against Charles Sturt University ended 54-52 in CSU's favour at Bendat Basketball Centre, with ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock cheering from the sidelines.
ECU's women's volleyball team also narrowly missed out on a podium finish as they lost in the bronze medal match against Macquarie University.
The 2026 edition of UniSport Nationals was memorable for ECU both on and off the field.
ECU School of Arts and Humanities broadcasting and journalism students, supported by Senior Lecturer Andrea Burns and Dr Stenier Ellignsen, delivered match-of-the-day commentary and sideline interviews across the five days streamed live to UniSportTV.
ECU School of Arts and Humanities broadcasting and journalism students commentated the action for UniSportTV. Image credit: UniSport Australia.
Professor Colm Harmon represented the University at the Celebrating the Value of University Sport event, where ECU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sport) Professor Sophia Nimphius delivered an address which highlighted how university sport can shape student success and strengthen connections between universities and broader communities.
Professor Nimphius congratulated all ECU competitors at the conclusion of the 2026 UniSport Nationals, and praised the dedication of those behind the scenes who helped the 230-strong contingent of ECU students shine on the national stage. "My sincere thanks go to our ECU Sport and Recreation team, Student Life, the School of Arts and Humanities, and the many staff and students cheering from the sidelines. They were the team behind the team that proudly represented ECU at these Games," Professor Nimphius said.
"As we know, sport is about so much more than the scoreboard. It creates connections, friendships and experiences that remain with us long after the competition ends."
ECU students contributed on and off the field at UniSport Nationals. Image credit: UniSport Australia.
