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Lifesaving champion puts USC study first
Ann Glen’s sporting career has started on the wrong foot this year but her academic goals have kicked off with a $6,000 USC Vice-Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship.
The bubbly 17-year-old surf lifesaving champion is channelling her energy into studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast while she recovers from three stress fractures in her foot.
Ann, who was Australia’s Under-15 National Ironwoman in 2008, has just moved from her family home in Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast to pursue both sport and study.
She chose a USC Bachelor of Communication after her Year 12 English teacher at Corpus Christi College, Nundah, last year suggested she would excel in public relations.
“This USC scholarship is recognition of my commitment to surf life saving and school work,” said Ann, who has accolades at state and national levels in individual and team events.
“I’m a very social person and also very driven, with a will to win,” she said.
The keen swimmer paid tribute to her parents for supporting her training with the Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club four times a week while living in Brisbane. She started the sport in Under 8s.
“I’ll miss the upcoming Aussie titles unfortunately but I’ll start training again for next season,” said Ann, who will be on crutches for another few weeks.
“I’m thoroughly enjoying my course so far,” she said. “I really like the writing and the friendly people on campus.”
Ann was among 55 first-year students to be honoured at USC’s inaugural Undergraduate Scholarships Presentation Ceremony on 15 February.
— Julie Gatehouse