CQUniCares North Queensland Sports Foundation Scholarship helps Kelly take big leap into the future

Kelly Munt has spent years coaching some of Australia's top cheerleaders, but now CQUni's Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences degree – and a CQUniCares scholarship is giving her a new future to cheer about.

The first-year student admitted her studies got off to a great start when she heard she was the recipient of the CQUniCares North Queensland Sports Foundation Scholarship from the North Queensland Sports Foundation.

"Receiving the email stating I was the recipient of the North Queensland Sports Foundation Scholarship was a truly humbling experience. Having just started my degree upon applying, the result of being awarded a scholarship was far beyond my expectations," she said.

"As a new recipient and first-year student, I am hopeful that being an awardee will assist me in securing future employment in the industry."

After being the Director and Coach at Adrenalin Cheer and Dance in North Mackay since 2005, the COVID-19 pandemic meant Kelly needed to expand her horizons.

"I have always had a passion and drive for coaching and mentoring. Within my sporting club, I must deliver education and insight into our training methods as head coach, so I studied a Certificate IV in Fitness in recent years," she said.

"The COVID-19 pandemic greatly influenced my decision to transition into a university degree in 2020. During this period of initial lockdown and uncertainty came the point of re-evaluation of personal goals.

"Yes, the continually advancing field of sport and exercise can assist my work within Adrenalin Cheer. However, I hope to have the opportunity to work within other industry disciplines with future employers."

Kelly has achieved a significant amount of success with Adrenalin Cheer with her athletes having won numerous national and international titles, while continuing to grow in numbers and expand its programs on offer.

"Cheerleading has been the highlight of my achievements both as an athlete and coach over the years. I have coached and competed in many successful Australian representative dance teams from our club, the most prestigious being the 2013 World Dance Championships'" she said.

"Our club was one of a few representing Australia in the hip-hop division. I had the honour of competing as an athlete at this event while being the team coach."

Kelly says the degree has furthered her existing knowledge across many areas relating to sport, skill acquisition, and programing, allowing her to reflect, adapt and apply this new knowledge to her training practices within the club's competitive programs.

"Upon completing the Exercise and Sports Science degree with CQU, I am open to further studies, however, I look forward to evaluating my strengths through upcoming placements in the current degree to guide my direction," she said.

"I would like to again thank CQU and the North Queensland Sports Foundation for their acknowledgement and support.

"A scholarship is more than just financial assistance, it is a recognition that a student has demonstrated the drive, initiative, and potential to make a difference in their field, and a student the institution is proud to stand behind."

The CQUniCares Scholarship program changes lives and CQUni is grateful to partner with organisations like the North Queensland Sports Foundation who share the University's passion for making a difference in the lives of our students' their families and our communities.

"The North Queensland Sports Foundation is honoured to play a role in terms of supporting athletes and developing regional capacities. Partnering with the CQUniversity to support Kelly through the CQUniCares Scholarship program will benefit many of our up-and-coming athletes into the future. We are looking forward to watching Kelly progress to meet her goals," Stephen Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of North Queensland Sports Foundation said.

Scholarship applications for Term 1, 2022 opened in early October. To find out more about available opportunities, including individual eligibility criteria and upcoming closing dates, visit www.cqu.edu.au/scholarships.