The LEAP program is proudly supported by TechnologyOne, and helps to identify, promote and support the needs of elite athletes studying at university by providing them with assistance and support to successfully combine their academic and sporting pursuits . The value of combining sport and higher education is well recognised across the university and sporting sectors, which is why La Trobe is committed to helping elite athletes undertaking study with the University.
View the full list of LEAP athlete achievements in the third quarter of 2024 below:
1. Amy Lawton (Hockey, Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics - Honours) & Laura Paeglis (Archery, Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science) - Represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
2. Jessica Potts (Touch Football, Doctor of Philosophy) - Won the 2024 Touch Football World Cup, representing Australia.
3. Marija Lukic (Beach Volleyball, Bachelor of Criminology Alumni - graduated in 2023) & Lucia La Terra (Beach Volleyball, Master's of Physiotherapy Practice) - Represented Australia and La Trobe at the 2024 World Beach Sports Championships.
4. Cody Cuthbert (Golf, Bachelor of Psychological Science) - Represented Australia and La Trobe at the 2024 World Golf Championships.
5. Courtney Van Diesen (Football Referee, Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics - Honours) - Was named Football Victoria's NPLW Referee of the Year.
6. Hannah Scott (Softball, Bachelor of Education - Secondary) - Selected for the 2025 Victorian Titans Open Women's Softball Team and the 2025 Victorian Under 23s Women's Softball Team, and won the Excellence, Growth and Performance Award for the 2024 Open Women's Softball Team.
7. Kayla Smit (Taekwondo, Bachelor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology) - Represented Australia at the World Taekwondo Culture Expo in South Korea, receiving a gold medal in the Female Individual Blue Belt Poomsae.
8. Stephanie Dimovksa (Karate, Bachelor of Health Science) - Represented Victoria at the Australian National Karate Championships and won gold in the U21s Female Division, followed by a bronze medal for Australia at the Oceania Karate Championships in the Senior Female Division.
9. Sophie Kurzman (Lawn Bowls, Master of Physiotherapy Practice) - Been selected to represent Australia in the Oceania Challenge in New Zealand. .
10. Kay Heinecke (Athletics, Doctor of Philosophy) - Competed in the Victorian Masters Athletics 10km, finishing with a bronze medal.
11. Abi Wilkinson (Hockey, Bachelor of Biomedical Science - Medical) - Represented Victoria at the Hockey Australia Country Championship.
12. Sean Dempsey (Snooker, Bachelor of Sport Coaching and Development) - Represented Australia at the World Eightball Championship.
13. Alison Weatherly (Water Sports, Master of Occupational Therapy Practice) - Came third in her fleet at the recent Victorian Hansa Championships and will be attending Nationals next month.
14. Sam Bartlett (Ice Hockey, Bachelor of Biomedicine) - Been drafted to Florida Jr. Blades which are in the USPHL Premier League in USA.
15. Chloe Jacobi (Pictured Main Image - Volleyball, Bachelor of Orthotics) - Represented Victoria at the Australian Junior Volleyball Championship.
16. Jess Stone (Lacrosse - Bachelor of Media & Communication) - Represented Australia at the Women’s Junior World Indoor Lacrosse Championship, winning a silver medal.
For more information on the La Trobe Elite Athlete Program, visit the La Trobe Sport website.
