Meet Arya Blackler and Tom Siede – elite athletes supported through the Sydney Uni Sport Elite Athlete Program and residents of Wesley College. They answer some questions about balancing high-performance sports with university life, sharing what drives them and how they manage to juggle that Elite Athlete/Student lifestyle.
Arya Blackler
- What inspired you to pursue your sport at an elite level?
My constant love of the game has inspired me to pursue my sport at an elite level. Soccer has been a passion of mine since I was 5 years old, taking me through club/school/regional representative teams and to the NZ National League level. So, it was natural for me for me to take the next level in Australia (National Premier Leagues) alongside my academic ambitions.
Further, the challenge of competing in a wider elite environment alongside talented athletes at Sydney Uni is also motivating and satisfies my competitive nature and ambitions to be at the top of my game.
- How do you balance university studies with the demand for elite-level training?
It requires strong time management and juggling it all! Knowing your schedule week in and week out helps you plan and work around that to ensure that studies are completed on time, extensions are sought when necessary, and clashes are avoided.
- Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
The same old warm-up routine every time works for me well, as well as some good pregame music on my headphones. Of course, putting my socks up over my knees is another one that seems to provide me some good luck, along with avoiding any severe turf burn
- Who has been your biggest inspiration in sport, and why?
It is hard to name a single soccer player! A big inspiration, though, would have to be Katie McCabe. Watching her play at the highest level in the Women’s Super League for Arsenal while also being a leader in her code, becoming Ireland’s national team captain at age 21, is admirable. She plays with this aggressive and fearless style, which has been key in guiding her national team to their first-ever Women’s Soccer World Cup in 2023.
- What’s your ultimate cheat meal after a competition?
After a hard-fought 90-minute game, you just can’t beat some post-match chicken nuggets from Maccas and a good ol yochi that helps refuel the body, of course
- How has Wesley and the joint scholarship with Wesley/SUSF supported you in your University journey?
The scholarship has been significant in assisting me with my transition to study abroad and pursue my sport at a competitive level. Coming from NZ, the ineligibility for a student loan in Australia meant that a discount on college fees was very beneficial. The joint scholarship has helped me cover extra expenses as a student-athlete, such as additional meals, nutrition/hydration, and travel expenses to/from games. The reality of being a student-athlete with many away games and training means there is little available time to work a part-time job during the university semester. Hence, the scholarship covering my necessary expenses has positively impacted my sports and high-level studies.
Aside from the financial contribution, the SUS role and comms in supporting student-athletes are helpful. It is an avenue to stay on top, address any issues with study sports clashes, and access complimentary or discounted player welfare facilities and courses.
Photo: Playing in Wellington, New Zealand in the FISU University World Cup Football Qualifier.
Photo: Sydney Uni playing a round game in the NSW National Premier League (NPL)
Tom Siede
- What inspired you to pursue your sport at an elite level?
My Mum and Dad have been my greatest supporters, encouraging me to pursue cricket even when I wasn’t achieving the outcomes I would have wanted.
- How do you balance university studies with the demand for elite-level training?
It’s certainly a challenge, but it’s important for me to timetable my week accurately to accommodate training and studying.
- Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
Nutri-grain for breakfast and a cold shower are my go-to pregame rituals.
- Who has been your biggest inspiration in sport, and why?
Marnus Labuschagne because he is a Christian who plays professional cricket.
- What’s your ultimate cheat meal after a competition?
Zambreros toasted burrito with chicken and guacamole.
- How has Wesley and the joint scholarship with Wesley/SUSF supported you in your University journey?
This joint scholarship has assisted me in committing to training and study as I have less time to work. It has particularly helped me pay my college fees.
Photo: Playing in semi-final against St George
Photo: Tom Bowling
