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USC sportsman scores American internship
A University of the Sunshine Coast rugby and touch football player is about to tackle the gridiron team at one of America’s most prestigious universities.
Matthew Bousson, 22, will be the first USC student to undertake a sports performance internship at Stanford University.
“I’ll be working with the sport performance coaches on their strength and conditioning program for Stanford’s American Football team,” said Matthew, of Sippy Downs.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ll be learning first-hand how to apply the theories of coaching and managing programs to elite athletes in a team sport.”
After sending his application to join the program, Matthew was delighted to not only gain a place, but an offer to stay for the whole season.
He leaves on 11 June for the six-month placement at the elite institution in California.
“I grew up in Sydney but lived in LA for eight years until I moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2009, gained a scholarship and started my degree at USC,” he said.
“The facilities are amazing here and I love the smaller size of classes. It’s easy to talk to the lecturers and tutors.”
Matthew will resume the final semester of his USC Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science when he returns early next year.
The internship will count towards his workplace learning course at USC.
“My career goal is to be the next Dr Mark Sayers,” said Matthew, referring to USC’s Senior Lecturer in Sports Biomechanics. “I’d love to do Honours and get my Phd at USC then see where opportunities take me.”
Dr Sayers has an extensive background in the biomechanics of team sports, especially football codes, and has consulted to national and international bodies. He now works with the New Zealand All Blacks rugby union team.
Matthew is a keen sportsman, although he is sidelined by an ankle injury sustained while training with the Sunshine Coast Stingrays rugby team.
He received last year’s special “USC Green” sports award for voluntarily preparing the University’s touch teams for competition throughout 2010. The USC Mixed Touch team won bronze at the Australian University Games.
USC Coaching Science Lecturer Angie Calder said it was fantastic to see another of the University’s students achieving internationally.
“This application process for Stanford was very competitive and the traineeship is prestigious,” she said.
“Matt impressed me in his first year when he taught boxing in my coaching prac. He performs very well in my lectures and shows great camaraderie and support for his fellow students.”
– Julie Gatehouse