Currently, nine Bendigo Strikers athletes are studying at La Trobe University across the Bendigo and Bundoora campuses. These students are balancing their sporting ambitions with studies in a diverse range of disciplines, including Education, Paramedicine, Exercise Science, Occupational Therapy, Oral Health, Biomedical Science and Physiotherapy.
Several Bendigo Strikers athletes are also benefiting from La Trobe University's Elite Athlete Program (LEAP), which provides dedicated support to help students successfully balance the demands of high-performance sport and academic study. Teal Hocking, Charlotte Sexton, Harriet Gall and Ollie Ryan are currently members of the LEAP program, while several other Strikers athletes participate in the LEAP Emerging Program, supporting their development both on and off the field.
The partnership is also creating valuable work integrated learning opportunities for La Trobe students.
Bendigo Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science student Tanesha Nurse completed a practicum placement within the Strikers' Strength and Conditioning program, gaining hands on experience in a high-performance sporting environment. At the Bundoora campus, Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science students Ingrid Lopez and Duy Khang completed placement hours in game day analytics, working alongside Strikers coaches and gaining practical experience in performance analysis.
Importantly, the impact of the partnership extends beyond student placements. Four La Trobe alumni are now working within the Bendigo Strikers program across Strength and Conditioning and Physiotherapy roles, demonstrating how university partnerships can create genuine pathways from study into professional practice.
For La Trobe University, partnerships such as this provide students with authentic industry experience, professional networks and opportunities to develop job ready skills. At the same time, they strengthen connections between the University, regional communities and the sporting sector.
The Bendigo Strikers offer a high performance environment where students can learn, contribute and build their capabilities alongside experienced practitioners and coaches. Together, the partnership is helping develop the next generation of sporting professionals while supporting the continued growth of regional sport.
Learn more about La Trobe University's sport industry partnerships here.
Main Image: Bendigo Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science student Tanesha Nurse completed a practicum placement within the Strikers' Strength and Conditioning program, gaining hands on experience in a high-performance sporting environment (Credit: Fort Bend Film Club).
