Written by Kirra-Lee Murphy
I have always had a strong passion for sport, but over time I have come to realise that my passion extends far beyond competition and performance. For me, sport is a powerful tool for holistic health. It can improve physical health, support mental wellbeing, create social connections and give people a sense of belonging.
This is what first drew me to the Charles Sturt Sports Council, and it is what ultimately inspired me to take on a leadership role.
In 2025, I became the Sports Coordinator, a role in which I had the opportunity to run social sports every Monday night and create opportunities for students to be active in a fun and welcoming environment. This role made me realise just how much potential university sport has to positively influence students’ lives, and inspired me to do more.
Social sports showed me that physical activity doesn’t always have to be about competition, performance or being the best. Sometimes, it’s simply about getting moving, having fun and spending time with other people.
I saw students come along who may not have considered themselves “sporty” but were willing to give something a go. They could turn up, meet new people, have a laugh and be active without the pressure that can come with competitive sport.
This is what made social sport so meaningful to me. It demonstrated how sport can contribute to physical, mental and social wellbeing at the same time.
Running these sessions also gave me the opportunity to listen to students and understand what they wanted from university sport. What sports did they want to play? What would encourage more people to participate? How could we make sport more inclusive and accessible?
I realised that I didn’t just want to run sporting activities. I wanted to help shape the sporting culture at Charles Sturt.
Why Get Involved?
My journey from Sports Coordinator to Sports Council President has shown me that getting involved in university sport can provide so much more than sporting opportunities.
For me, the Sports Council has become a way of putting my passion for sport and holistic health into action. I want students to see sport as more than competition. I want them to see it as a way to feel healthier, happier, connected and part of a community. That is why I chose to step up from Sports Coordinator to President, and why I would encourage other students to get involved.
You might start by coming along to social sport. You might volunteer at an event. You might join a club. You might have an idea that you think could make university sport better.
Whatever it is, have a voice and give it a go. Because sometimes, getting involved in sport isn’t just about changing your own university experience. It is about helping create a better experience for everyone.
Find out more about sport at Charles Sturt.
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