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A playbook for balancing pro sport and studies

Alex Sharp dribbling a basketball between her legs

Balancing the demands of professional sport with academic pursuits is no small feat.

According to Alex Sharp, who has been studying psychology at Murdoch while competing in top tier Spanish basketball competition Liga ACB, it requires a steadfast commitment to routine, meticulous planning, and a high degree of adaptability.

"You're not going to get four hours where you can sit down at a desk and study in silence," Alex said.

"It might be using a couple of hours on a bus or a plane to work on your thesis or squeezing in some reading between training sessions."

This approach demands sacrifices in other areas of life, but it is underpinned by a deep passion for learning and a clear vision of where a degree will take you.

"On the days where it's a little harder to find the motivation, when you're mentally and physically exhausted from all the training and travel and the last thing that you want to do is open the laptop, it's this passion that will ground you and remind you why you're investing everything that you are," Alex said.

The Murdoch community has played a crucial role in enabling athletes like Alex to balance their studies with their sporting commitments.

"The elite athlete program is an incredibly useful resource, but I've received the most support directly from my professors and unit coordinators," Alex says.

These educators go above and beyond to help students succeed, approaching each situation with openness and flexibility.

There was never resistance, or doubt about whether it would be possible for me to fulfil the degree requirements - to them, it was just a matter of how."
Alex Sharp, psychology student

Together, they’ve navigated all the obstacles that along the way. For instance, when Alex informed her thesis supervisor about moving to Spain midway through the academic year, the news was met with genuine excitement and unwavering support.

"Despite the time difference between Madrid and Perth, we met weekly and she kept me on task, seeing me through to the finish line," Alex recalled. 

Many athletes put off their studies for fear that university might not be able to accommodate the hectic training and travel schedule that comes with elite sport. However, the support of educators invested in the success of students makes it possible.  

"From the moment I applied for the course, Murdoch addressed my hesitations head-on and helped me to believe it would be possible," Alex said.

In doing her honours studies on social justice, Alex has also been reminded of the power of sport as a vehicle for social equity and inclusion.

Reflecting on the many incredible women encountered throughout a sporting career reveals a tapestry of diverse backgrounds and unique stories. 

“I've crossed paths with women from all over the world in my career – mothers, students, teachers, CEOs, business owners – who all bring their own their own story of diverse beginnings and overcoming different adversities,” Alex said.

"Their meeting place is the sporting arena – a place where differences align under the common values and goals embedded in competition.

“At the professional level, sport becomes a platform for these voices and values to be showcased to the world.”

Alex Sharp and her Opals teammates on the court

The desire to leave the game in a better place for future generations drives these athletes, regardless of their backgrounds or earnings.

"They want more, and they're willing to demand improvements and growth - bit by bit - even if it means that change comes when their time in sport is long gone," Alex said.

"They strive to create a sustainable pathway that brings female athletes closer to the respect and value afforded to their male counterparts."

Adversity is a common thread in the journey to reaching new heights in a sporting career.

Mental, physical, and emotional challenges such as injury, self-doubt, lack of confidence, and performance anxiety are all part of the athlete's experience. For many, the hardest lesson is about fulfilment.

"From a young age I've been taught to always strive for the next thing - the next team, the next level, the next achievement," Alex reflects.

Success and self-worth are often judged based on performances and selections, leaving little room to celebrate achievements. This relentless pursuit can become exhausting, leading to athletes questioning their enjoyment and fulfilment in the sport.

"I got to a low point where I was really questioning why I play - do I still enjoy it? Does it still bring me happiness and fulfilment? The answer was no," Alex admitted.

It takes a new team, a new environment, and significant self-reflection to find fulfilment in the game and career from more rewarding and controllable sources. Relationships formed through sport, moments of shared joy on the court, and being a role model for younger athletes become the true sources of fulfilment.

When I learned to reframe my approach to my career around these things, it brought me a new level of motivation, mental freedom, and enjoyment." 
Alex Sharp, psychology student

This new perspective ultimately led to significant achievements, such as selection into an Olympic squad.

"This type of achievement for me now is no longer the deciding factor in my success or worth as an athlete, but rather a nice bonus or piece of recognition on top of the little wins I'm already getting out of the sport every day."

Learn more about the support available for students studying at Murdoch.

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