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Graduate cricketer goes in to bat for juniors
A University of the Sunshine Coast graduate and first grade cricketer is nurturing the next generation of sporting talent from Noosa to Newmarket.
Joel Hamilton, 21, of Bellmere, has notched up an outstanding year in the Queensland Cricket job he scored immediately after finishing his Bachelor of Sport and Industry at USC.
“I’m a Cricket Officer in the Metro North Region and I work with juniors as far north as Noosa,” Joel said.
“I really enjoy working with the kids and I’m developing my own networks and skills at the same time.”
The former Caboolture State High student, who has played first grade cricket for Toombul District for five years, made the most of both practical and theoretical components at University.
“I enrolled at USC because its program combined Sport Science with Marketing and Management subjects,” said the fast bowler.
Metro North Senior Cricket Manager Jeff Thomas said USC had helped equip Joel with the industry skills he needed from the start.
“Joel works in a number of portfolios including the promotion of our sport through schools and clubs, the coaching of our elite Emerging Players Program, presenting at coaching courses and administration activities,” Mr Thomas said.
“He is doing a fantastic job and I’m certain he will progress in the organisation.”
Mr Thomas, who runs a Level 1 cricket coaching program as part of the USC Coaching Science course, said the course was producing coaches of the highest calibre “which will benefit the community for years to come”.
USC Coaching Science Lecturer Angela Calder said working with industry groups such as Queensland Cricket provided mutual benefits.
“For students, they get the opportunity to earn industry qualifications and experience while finishing their degree,” she said.
“Joel’s ability to coach his peers stood out in his first year at University and by third year he was one of my demonstrators. He was well-organised, reliable, confident and professional.
“His previous work experience at indoors sports centres and after-school coaching also helped him stand out when applying for his ideal job.”
– Julie Gatehouse