Edith Cowan University

Sportsmanship is the winner for ECU at UniSport Nationals

For the fourth consecutive year, Edith Cowan University (ECU) has proudly claimed the prestigious UniSport Western Spirit Award for overall sportsmanship at the 2024 UniSport Nationals in Canberra.

ECU's UniSport Western Spirit Award winning team of students.

First published by Edith Cowan University

ECU University Team Manager, Belinda Somers explains that winning UniSport Western Spirit Award celebrates not just athletic achievements but more importantly, the exemplary conduct, team spirit and camaraderie exhibited by our athletes.

"I received a call with the exciting news of our award while we were at the airport heading home," said Belinda.

"This recognition reflects the collective effort and passion of everyone involved. I am so pleased as we have an incredible team that works closely with our staff and student leaders to ensure a consistent message about how we represent at ECU.

"This award shows that our team of 96 ECU student athletes and 6 coaches stood out as leaders both on and off the field."

What is UniSport Nationals and what is the significance of the Spirit Award?

For those new to UniSport Nationals, the event is a thrilling opportunity for students from 42 universities to compete head-to-head in 31 different sports. In 2024, more than 6,000 participants from around Australia gathered in Canberra to showcase their talents and compete for national titles.

The UniSport Western Spirit Award is given to the university team that demonstrates the highest standard of sportsmanship, conduct and positive engagement across the entire Nationals event.

It's not about winning the competition, but about how a team represents their university.

In the Words of UniSport Australia, ECU won this award for our:

Exemplary behaviour across all sports.
Excellent team spirit and interaction with opposing teams.
Impeccable conduct, both on and off the field.
Presentation in professional uniforms, as well as appropriate off-field attire.
Punctuality and dedication in fulfilling all team duties.
Willingness to assist other teams in meeting their obligations.

Our athletes truly embody the spirit of ECU: teamwork, respect and pride.

Building a Program of Lifelong Connections

At ECU, we pride ourselves not just on athletic prowess but also on creating a holistic team experience. Our program, developed in collaboration with staff and student leaders, encourages interaction across all sports teams, fostering lifelong friendships and professional networks. When we travel, it's about more than just competition—it's about cultivating leadership, camaraderie and lasting connections.

35 students in ECU sports uniforms posing as a group in front of fence with blue, white and red unisports national cladding, on a terracotta sports court — Building those lasting connections as part of the ECU team.

A Team Effort

This year's Nationals saw ECU represented by 98 athletes, including six dedicated sport coaches and me as the overall university team manager. Joining me were Kyla Devine, ECU’s Sport and Recreation Officer and Hai Luu from Student Life, who played integral roles in managing the teams. Hai, experiencing his first Nationals trip, was particularly enthusiastic about the positive atmosphere and sense of unity within our team.

17 student in ECU sports uniforms posing together in tow rows on wooden court with volleyball net in background — ECU's spirited volleyball teams enjoyed the Nationals.

Our team's standout performance was also thanks to the contributions of our alumni and community members who served as coaches. This is a true reflection of ECU’s commitment to supporting our athletes, not just during their time as students but well into their professional lives.

13 students in ECU sports uniforms giving each other high fives in a circle on the grassed football oval — ECU Football team ready to take the field.

We are immensely grateful to our sponsor, Spencer Ogden, whose generous support allowed us to present our teams in immaculate uniforms, further reinforcing our sense of pride and unity. We look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come as we renegotiate sponsorship for a fresh new look and logo.

Celebrating Success

ECU Sports, in collaboration with the Student Guild, hosted the annual Emus Sports Gala event, to celebrate our students' achievements. Awards were presented as follows:

Contribution to Sport – Hansley Reeody and Daniel Cespedes, Most Successful Team – Men's Futsal, Best Team Spirit – Men's Soccer and Best New Team – ECU Western Invitational Pickleball.

"Together we achieved an amazing milestone and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved. It’s this dedication, unity and spirit that truly make these experiences unforgettable and creating lifelong memories. I’m very proud to be part of such a special community."

Looking Ahead to 2025

"We deliver a program when we travel that includes collaborative opportunities across our entire team, enabling lifelong friendships and connections to be made, all in the spirit of sport.

If you're interested in representing ECU in 2025, now's the time to get involved! Whether as an athlete, coach, or team manager, we invite you to register your interest and be part of the excitement.