Shenae Ciesiolka is USQ’s ‘Sportsperson of the Year’
SHE’S just been named on the Brisbane Broncos side, and now the star has now added one more feather in her cap.
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A natural sporting star and lover of rugby league, Shenae Ciesiolka began making her mark as a sporting superstar from the time she was a child.
Now at 23, she has been selected to play the sport she loves on national and international levels, most recently making the Brisbane Broncos side this year.
Ciesiolka has now added another achievement to her already growing list, having been awarded the ‘Sportsperson of the Year’ at the University of Southern Queensland’s Student Awards.
“I was actually in Brisbane training with the Broncos so I didn’t get to see it, but Mum and Dad watched on my behalf,” she said.
“My parents called me after practice with the news – I was so thrilled.”
The soon-to-be teacher is halfway through a Bachelor of Education, specialising in health and physical education.
“I loved PE in school,” Ciesiolka said.
“It came quite naturally to me, and I’m hoping I can pass that on to other young people and help them as much as I can.”
The football star was among 17 of the region’s best and brightest who were honoured during the ceremony.
A new award this year – the Clubs Response to COVID-19 Award – was given to the University’s Phoenix Cheerleading Club.
The Club moved its fitness classes online and established a member check in program to support mental health.
Ten other awards, including the All Rounder, Unsung Hero and Multicultural Community Service Award, were presented during the ceremony.
Other recipients included: Gemma Morthen (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award); Kiran Mahale (Multicultural Community Service Award); Ory Tattam (Contribution to sport award); Cade Banditt (Sports Recognition award); Finaflor Taylan (Community Service Award); USQ Law Society (Highest Achieving Club Award); Kym Armytage (Student Representative of the Year Award); Dayna Champion (Club Member of the Year Award); Larni Wallace (Unsung Hero Award); and Daniel Sims (All Rounder Award).
There were also eight Phoenix Award winners: Cameron Blackburn, Catharina Luyt, Deborah Engelbrecht, Joe Mooney, Kym Brnabic, Maryanne Mitchell, Peter Becker and Sachi Ranaweera.
