Salt Creek Scholarship Laureate 2025

Stephanie Grist

Stephanie Grist is from Warrnambool in South-West Victoria. She is extremely motivated, hard-working and dedicated. Throughout her time at secondary school, Stephanie has excelled in her academic studies and participated in many and varied programs and extra-curricular activities ranging from drama, debating and public speaking to leadership roles and team sports. She also achieved distinctions in the Deakin Uni Accelerate program which she completed during Year 12 as well as public speaking awards. However, Stephanie’s greatest passion is sport, and it seems only natural that she would want to embark on tertiary studies combining human movement and sport and recreation.

Stephanie’s interests in sport are many and varied but she has excelled particularly in hockey – as player, coach and umpire. Her leadership skills are manifold also having been selected in the Moyne Shire Lead4Innovation program, Hockey Victoria Roadshow and having held many leadership positions at school including school captain, peer support leader and mentor.

Not surprisingly, last year Stephanie was awarded the Brauer College John King Citizenship Award in recognition of her outstanding dedication to the school and broader community. She has also won numerous prizes for her debating and public speaking efforts including a public speaking scholarship in 2024.

Stephanie’s School Leader described her as “the definition of a team player. Her ability to work collaboratively with peers and take initiative in various projects speaks volumes about her character and potential for success in future endeavours”.

What impressed the interview panel most of all was Stephanie’s dedication, commitment, tenacity and humility. Despite some significant challenges for her family over the past few years, Stephanie has all the while remained focused on her studies and career goals, supported her family and has made the most of every opportunity available both within school and outside.

Stephanie is the very worthy recipient of the 2025 Salt Creek Scholarship.

Click here for Mortlake Dispatch article announcing Stephanie’s achievement

Where are they now?
OCTOBER 2025

Attending which University/College:
University of South Australia / St. Ann’s College, North Adelaide

Enrolled in which Degree: Bachelor of Human Movement, Bachelor of Business (Sport and Recreation Management)

1. Academic Progress
I am currently nearing the completion of my first year at the University of South Australia, where I am undertaking a double degree in Human Movement and Business Sport and Recreation Management). Over the course of the year, I have successfully completed a broad range of subjects across both disciplines. In the first semester, I achieved results above a credit average, and my grades have continued to improve throughout the current semester.

2. College/University Participation
Alongside my studies, I’ve been actively involved in both college and university life. I played on the college and university hockey teams, helping the university team make it to the grand final. During my time at St. Ann’s College, I’ve also helped with college tours, made use of tutoring opportunities, engaged in social events and met people from a wide range of backgrounds. I’ve recently applied for several committees and coaching roles, as I would love the opportunity to give back to the St Ann’s community and continue contributing to college life.

3. Community Participation
This year, I was lucky enough to coach a group of under-12 hockey players for a local Adelaide hockey club, which was such a rewarding experience. Watching their skills and confidence grow each week reminded me how much I enjoy helping others develop both on and off the field. I also volunteered at the Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge in May, which was an incredible experience and gave me valuable insight into how major sporting events are organized and supported. These experiences have further strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in the sports industry.

4. Other Activities
I am currently employed with two businesses in the sports industry. I coach an after-school sports program at various primary schools for six-weeks, teaching young students sports such as basketball, cricket and soccer. My other job involves working with young children aged 1.5 to 6 years old to develop a broad range of skills in sport and enhance their gross and fine motor skills.

Cover letter
Receiving the Salt Creek scholarship has made my dream of studying at university in Adelaide a reality. Thanks to your generosity, I was able to spend the first few months settling into Adelaide without the pressure of a job, giving me the time to meet new people and establish connections in a city where I knew no one. The scholarship has alleviated significant financial stress, allowing me to focus on my studies and pursue my involvement in college life and the hockey community.

Since moving to Adelaide, I joined the Forestville Hockey Club, where I not only coached the u/12 girls team, but I played my final year of junior hockey finishing 5th in the Under-18 women’s competition. I also joined the University of South Australia (UNISA) hockey club, playing in both the Metro 3 and Metro 4 teams. We reached the Metro 3 grand final where we finished runners up. These experiences have helped my settle into my new life in Adelaide, make friendships and strengthening my commitment to the sport.

College life has provided plenty of support and opportunities. I have been able to thrive academically and socially, thanks to being allocated a buddy during my first week, having access to the college library and a tutor when needed. These experiences have inspired me to give back, and I hope to tutor other students next year.

I plan to continue my work coaching after-school sports programs, helping children develop their skills and confidence. These roles are not only rewarding but also provide practical experience that I hope to apply in regional communities in the future.

I am deeply grateful to the Coy family and Tilt Renewables for the Salt Creek scholarship. It has enabled me to fully participate in sports, college life, and my studies. These opportunities wouldn’t have been possible without your generosity. 

Degree: Bachelor of Human Movement, Bachelor of Business (Sport and Recreation Management)

Institution: University of South Australia

In residence: St Ann’s College, North Adelaide

Career Goal: to work for an organisation that helps increase sporting opportunities in regional communities

Education History: Brauer College Year 12 in 2024

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