Jarrod Cowley
There are so many opportunities at UTS. Try to be involved with as many as you can...
I grew up in a family of five whose life revolved around sport: My father being a high-level footballer, mother a swimmer, brother also a high-level footballer, and my sister a singer and dancer. My life was filled with sport, training nearly every day to be the best footballer I could be.
From the age of 11-18, I played representative Football and Futsal which fuelled my passion for sport – until an injury sidelined me for a year. This only increased my love for helping others through coaching, to which I do today as a job, rather than play. I enjoy the challenge of coaching and it’s now a big passion of mine to help others achieve their maximum potential in their given sport.
Ever since I was young, I knew that I was going to work in the sporting industry, whether it be playing as a professional, or working as a coach. This led me to my Sport and Exercise Science degree where my love of sport has grown even more. I’ve come to appreciate the behind-the-scenes work that’s put in by staff at sporting clubs to help individuals succeed.
I chose to study at UTS because of the experience and knowledge that all the tutors have to share. The most rewarding aspect of the degree is the experience you can gain from working with some of the best in the sporting industry through classes and internships that you can take on later in the course.
I definitely have matured in that I always want to learn more about sport from different aspects, whether it be in the gym, in the classroom or in rehab. I’d say it’s given me a more positive outlook on studying that makes me want to achieve more outside the classroom.
I am passionate about helping others achieve their sporting goals and seeing them grow into amazing athletes, as well as increasing my knowledge along the way. My plan for the future is to work in athletic development and own a gym. I’d like to help young athletes achieve their potential in sport and fulfil their dream of becoming a professional athlete.
My advice for future students would be to not muck around in the first year. Put in as much effort in your first year at uni as you plan to for your remaining years here. There are so many opportunities at UTS. Try to be involved with as many as you can and your classes – you’ll get a lot more out of university and you will come away with a wealth of knowledge and connections to further your career in sport.
