Announcing Round 2 of the 2026 Adelaide University Sport Scholarship Recipients

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.

AUSF PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARSHIPS - $3,000 

ALEXANDER KAVANAGH (ATHLETICS)

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.

Alexander Kavanagh is in his first year of studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) (Honours), is a cross country athlete and has been a member of the Adelaide University Athletics Club since 2023. With Australian running representation in his family through his father, he grew up running with his family and developed a love of the sport from an early age. He won the South Australian Under 18 National Cross Country Championship, and competed in the 8km XC at the UniSport Cross Country National Championships earlier this year. 

AU RUGBY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP - $2,000 

SHRAVAN RENGASAMY (RUGBY)

The AU Rugby Club Scholarship is awarded to a male or female athlete studying at Adelaide University, and representing the Adelaide University Rugby Union Football Club competing at Premier Grade level.

Shravan Rengasamy is currently in his first year of study for a Master of Professional Engineering (Electrical), and represents the Adelaide University Rugby Union Football Club's Premier Grade squad. Incredible, his rugby journey only began in 2026, first in the Reserve Grade as a winger before earning selection to the Premier Grade as a flanker, scoring a try in his very first game.

"As an international student I'm relatively new to the club, but the club has quickly become an irreplaceable part of my life here in Australia," Shravan says. "Being part of the oldest Rugby club in South Australia is something I don't take lightly, and I want to help carry that legacy forward."

DON STRANKS SCHOLARSHIP - $2,000 

HARRY PIGGOTT (CRICKET)

The late Professor Don Stranks was Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President of the University of Adelaide, and a keen supporter of the Adelaide University Football Club and Adelaide University Cricket Club.

This scholarship named in his honours is awarded to a current Adelaide University student who excels in Division 1 football or Premier First Grade cricket, and gives valuable service to either the Adelaide University Football Club or Adelaide University Cricket Club.

Harry Piggott is in his first year of studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences, and three years ago joined the Adelaide University Cricket Club where he worked his way up through the ranks quickly and now represents the Premier First Grade team.

"I live two hours from the city and travel back and forth twice a week to balance my studies, training commitments, and helping my family on our farm," says Harry. "This routine takes time and energy, but I've maintained it consistently because I value both my education and my place at AUCC. A scholarship of this kind eases the financial hardship this commute places on me and my family, and allows me to continue balancing study, cricket and home without that burden compounding."

FRANCES ADAMSON SCHOLARSHIP - $2,000 

CAROLINE MCNALLY (BOAT)

The Frances Adamson Scholarship was established by a donation to the University of Adelaide from the Adelaide University Sports and Fitness Association and a matching donation from Mr Warren Hicks. The Scholarship is in honour of Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia. Her Excellency graduated from the University of Adelaide with a degree in Economics in 1985. While studying, Her Excellency was inaugural female captain of the Adelaide University Boat Club, during the 1984/85 seasons.

The Frances Adamson Scholarship is awarded annually to a female student who is undertaking an undergraduate, honours or postgraduate coursework program of study at Adelaide University, and who is a member of the Adelaide University Boat Club.

Caroline McNally is currently studying a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, previously represented Adelaide University at the UniSport Nationals in 2025 winning silver (W1x, W8+) and bronze (W4+) medals, and is a two-time Open Women's Scull state champion. In 2026, she travelled to London, Ontario, Canada to represent Australia as part of the UniRoos in the FISU World University Rowing Championships, competing in the Women's Double Sculls.

UNIVERSITY BASKETBALL LEAGUE SCHOLARSHIPS - $2,000 

CAITLIN SHILLABEER (BASKETBALL) AND ISAAC HAMPEL (BASKETBALL)

The University Basketball League (UBL) Scholarship is awarded to one member of the men's AU Waatu team and one member of the women's AU Waatu team, who represent Adelaide University in the UniSport Australia New Balance University Basketball League.

Caitlin Shillabeer is currently in her second year studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), and was the leading scorer for the women's AU Waatu team throughout their historic 2026 season, where they posted a league-leading 7-1 win-loss record during the regular season and earned home court advantage throughout finals at Pridham Hall. She has previously played college basketball in Canada, winning conference and national championships, and in 2026 became a training player with the WNBL's Adelaide Lightning.

Isaac Hampel is currently in the fourth year studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) and Bachelor of Commerce, and in 2026 was the captain of the men's AU Waatu intervarsity team. He led the team to its best-ever win-loss record during the home-and-away season, and into the quarter finals for the fourth straight season. Alongside this, he was named co-captain of the Adelaide University squad for UniSport Nationals, leading AU to the final and a silver medal finish.