Announcing the 2026 Adelaide University Sport Scholarship Recipients
Published Wed 01 Jul 2026
Adelaide University Sport and Fitness are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 sport scholarships. These scholarships celebrate high-achieving student-athletes who display remarkable skill, dedication, and a passion for excellence in their chosen sport.
ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS - $2,500
Aidan Hall (Kayak) and Daniel Wiersema (Rowing)
Provided by Adelaide University, the Adelaide University Sport Scholarship benefits two students per year who are undertaking an undergraduate or honours program at Adelaide University and who have been identified by the University as members of the Sports Association.
Aidan Hall is in the second year of studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours), and is a member of the Adelaide University Elite Sport Program as a South Australian Kayak Sprint athlete. Originally transitioning to the sport from surf lifesaving, he represented Australia at Junior and Under 23 World Championships, and has won national K2 and K4 titles.
He credits his current course with helping develop his sport further, saying "Mechanical engineering demands quick analytical thinking, problem solving and attention to detail, which are all qualities that directly translate to training and competition. In both engineering and sport, small adjustments can significantly impact outcomes, whether refining a specific movement on the water or optimising a mechanical design."
Daniel Wiersema is studying a Bachelor of Engineering, and is a member of the Adelaide University Boat Club. In 2025, he won gold at the Rowing Australia National Championships and UniSport Nationals, as well as bronze as the Oceania Games. He's continued that success in 2026, earning two gold medals at State Championships.
Off the water, Daniel has contributed to the continued success of AUBC by being actively involved in squad trips around South Australia, and assisting with facilitating both club operations and the electronic regatta entry system for club members and club-associated SASI athletes.
AUSF PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARSHIPS - $3,000
ILANA MEYER (HOCKEY) and THEODORE SIAO (RUGBY)
Awarded to Adelaide University students in their first year of study, the AUSF President's Scholarships assist with the payment of compulsory fees, textbooks and sporting equipment, as well as the athlete’s club membership fees for up to three years.
Ilana Meyer is in the first year of studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), and is a member of the Adelaide University Hockey Club. She plays in the Belgravia Sports Apparel Premier League Women for Adelaide University, and has previously represented South Australia at state level.
"Sport has always been an important part of my life, but hockey is the one sport that has truly stuck with me," Ilana says. "Through hockey I have learned how to manage my time and pushed through setbacks. Being part of a team has shown me the value of commitment and accountability, both to myself and to my teammates."
Theodore Siao is in the first year of studying a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) (Honours), but has been a member of the Adelaide University Rugby Union Club for more than five years, coming up as a Junior before this year making the Seniors. A South Australian state representative, he shows dedication by not only playing for AU Rugby but also volunteering, assisting with pitch setup and pack down, gameday support, and club maintenance.
"I value creating an inclusive and welcome environment where all members feel comfortable participating, regardless of their experience level," says Theo. "By helping new members integrate into the team and supporting teammates during training and competitions, I hope to strengthen the sense of community within the club. I'm dedicated to the AU Rugby Club and my aim is to make a significant impact in my first year of senior eligibility, and representing Adelaide University with pride as a dedicated student athlete."
BOB HEDDLE SCHOLARSHIPS - $3,000
AIDEN CARBERRY (KAYAK SPRINT) and MAKSYM GANDZIUK (CANOE)
Bob Heddle was Director of the University Health Service from 1964-1982. The Bob Heddle Scholarship is awarded on merit to students who demonstrate exceptional international performance and results whilst providing valuable service to their Adelaide University Sport club.
Aiden Carberry is in the second year of studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours), and was a recipient of the 2025 AUSF President's Scholarship. His exceptional performance continued throughout 2025, where he achieved first place in the Under 21 K1 1000, alongside becoming the Under 19 Men's Double Ski Australian Champion. In 2026, he was chosen to represent Australia at the Under 23 Canoe Sprint World Championships, where he's currently competing in Halifax, Canada.
A SASI athlete, Aiden trains up to 15 times per week in addition to his considerable study load. "This scholarship makes a real difference to my ability to perform and succeed academically," he says. "With the training, travel and competition load that comes with high performance sport, financial support reduces the need to work while studying, which means I can recover properly, stay on top of study, and perform at my best at key competitions while continuing to represent Adelaide University."
Maksym Gandziuk is in the second year of studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), having relocated to Australia from Ukraine in 2022 as a refugee after the Russia-Ukraine war began. "Through canoe sprint I found a strong sense or purpose, discipline and community, which helped me settle into Australia and build my future," he says.
Since moving to Australia, he has represented the country at Junior and Under 23 levels, and like Aiden is currently in Canada as part of the Australian Under 23 Canoe Sprint World Championships squad. His long-term ambition is to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. "Although I am new to Adelaide University Sport, I am eager to make a real impact by helping grow canoe sprint within the program. By combining my international experience, drive, and dedication, I hope to make the sport into a visible, thriving program and give others the chance to discover this unique and rewarding sport."
CHARLES JESSOP SCHOLARSHIP - $2,000
ALEX MONTAGU (WATER SKI)
Charles Jessop was an Adelaide University Sport life member who made significant contributions to the University of Adelaide, Adelaide University Sport, and the Law faculty. The Charles Jessop Scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled as part of the College of Law who not only excels in their chosen sport, but also gives valuable service to their Adelaide University Sport club.
Alex Montagu is in the third year of studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), and is a member of the Adelaide University Water Ski Club. He is a South Australian state representative and a six-time state slalom champion known for his clinical approach and powerful technique, and in 2025 was selected into the Australian University World Championships team. "One of my greatest passions is growing this sport, so that people can experience the joy and feeling that I get constantly, whether this is through coaching, social media, or through the various sport clubs," he says.
Alex actively promotes the AU Water Ski Club at O'Week and Come & Try events, hoping to grow the sport in South Australia. "In whatever I do, I always try to give back to the communities around me through coaching, volunteering at events, or being a role model for the younger generation, because if it wasn't for those communities then I wouldn't be where I am now. If I can be a role model to someone, like the people I had around me when I was first starting, then that's a win in my book."
AU SOCCER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP - $2,000
NIKI PAPAGEORGIOU (SOCCER)
The AU Soccer Club Scholarship is awarded to a female athlete playing at the Women's National Premier League level as a member of the Adelaide University Soccer Club, and is co-funded by the Adelaide University Soccer Club.
Niki Papageorgiou is in the second year of studying a Bachelor of Medicine, and is a member of the Adelaide University Soccer Club. She joined the club ten years ago, and currently plays in the Apex Steel Women's National Premier League Reserves. "I started in the Under 13s and progressed through the Junior and Senior pathways. In 2025, I had the honour of captaining the Reserves side and I've continued in this leadership role in 2026," she says. "Leading such a high-performing team has allowed me to contribute beyond individual performance, supporting player development, fostering a positive team culture, and setting high standards both on and off the field."
Niki carefully balances her study and sport workload to achieve success in both. "As a medical student, I have to manage a demanding academic workload alongside soccer. This scholarship will provide me with vital support and enable me to maintain this balance. I can continue contributing meaningfully to the club, and represent Adelaide University with pride and professionalism."
AU HOCKEY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP - $2,000
ELLY WALTERS (SOCCER)
The AU Hockey Club Scholarship is awarded to a male or female athlete competing at the Premier League level as a member of the Adelaide University Hockey Club.
Elly Walters is in the third year of studying a Doctor of Philosophy, and is a member of the Adelaide University Hockey Club. She plays in the Belgravia Sports Apparel Premier League Women for Adelaide University. In her 15 years in the sport, she has achieved a premiership alongside club best and fairest, player's player, and most improved player awards, demonstrating her continued development as a player.
"I am proud of my recognition as a player's player, as at the end of the day, it is a team sport and without a group that is cohesive and family-like we cannot achieve to our highest level," she says. "I continue to aspire to be a player and team member worthy of captaining a team, whilst playing at a high level. I would like to nurture my ability to coach, lead and teach new players to find joy in their sport. Being awarded this scholarship supports my continued development as a humble, service-oriented leader that is committed to contributing to my club, sport and academic society."
Round 2 of the Adelaide University Sport Scholarships open for applications later this month, with the Don Stranks Scholarship, Frances Adamson Scholarship, University Basketball League Scholarships, AU Rugby Club Scholarship and men's AU Soccer Club Scholarship still to be awarded.
