Liz Watson
Since her 2014 debut with the Melbourne Vixens, Liz Watson has been one of the most successful netballers in Australia.
Liz has compiled an impressive netball résumé which includes awards such as a Commonwealth silver medal, the Liz Ellis Diamond Award (Australian Netballer of the Year), and Suncorp Super Netball Team of the Year. Liz is also a two-time recipient of the Sharelle McMahon medal (Best and Fairest for the Melbourne Vixens).
Liz is undertaking a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Deakin University and is a member of the Elite Athlete Program that supports and assists her through her studies.
We spoke to Liz earlier in the year about netball, studying and finding the right balance.
Why did you choose to study at Deakin? How has Deakin supported you in your sporting endeavours?
I chose to move my study to Deakin due to the Elite Athlete Program. Not only is Deakin supporting my studies but they also support my sporting career. The flexibility, understanding and encouragement to be able to pursue both is what has made my time at Deakin so positive.
How do you juggle your studies with your sporting commitments?
Being organised! Often I am racing from university to training, to training to university. I think for me, being organised throughout the week is a big factor. Once the netball season starts we are usually travelling and playing games. Finding the balance between both is when I seem to achieve my best results in both university and sport.
What is your dream for the future, both sporting and academic?
My dream is continue to play netball with the Melbourne Vixens and the Australia Diamonds. I would love to play in a World Cup. While playing netball, I would also like to continue my studies as a primary school teacher and be able to work in that field once I have finished playing netball.
Where is your favorite place to study on campus?
The big open grass lawn spaces.
What do you do to relax?
My favourite thing to do to relax is to drive down to the beach with my family and friends. Here I can completely switch off from sport and study.
Who inspires you?
My teammates. We spend so much time together and we have so much love and care for each other. The different stories and paths that we have all taken to be where we are is inspiring, and I love listening and being involved in my teams endeavours, even the ones that aren't netball related.