A STAR ON AND OFF THE COURT
A bright future awaits the multi-talented Etelini Roberts, whether she chooses to follow her sporting or academic dreams
SOON to have a Biomedical Science degree and a number of state netball titles under her belt, Etelini Roberts is not your average 17-year-old.
The New Zealand-born prodigy also has a part-time job as a swim instructor at Bergman’s Swim School and has an active social life with family and friends.
Etelini says she first became enamoured with medicine when she was in year 11.
“I was one of the top biology students and absolutely loved the subject,” he said.
“That was when I decided that I wanted to get into biomedicine.
“The anatomy side of the course doesn’t faze me, technological advances are happening on a rapid basis which is where I hope to make my impact on the world.
“I love to problem solve, and the only viable clinical application which enticed me was medicine.”
One of the most interesting things about Etelini’s study at Griffith University is how it came to be.
“I also applied to Bond University, where I was offered a place for the course regardless of OP – the offer came in August, which was a welcome safety net in case I didn’t get into Griffith,” she said.
“This offer came as a shock, I didn’t expect a reply let alone a place, and I was honoured to be one of five students in my school to be awarded this.
“However despite this, I still opted for Griffith as my first preference. I missed my friends and Griffith’s medical school ios highly renowned.”
As well as her incredible academic accomplishments, Etelini has had many accomplishments in her netball career.
Currently she is playing for the under-18 Hinterland representative side and has also competed in the under-18 Indoor Super League, Golden South Jags, Queensland Indoor under 19s side and in the senior Intermediate club competition at Hinterland.
“Although demanding at times, I love how exhilarating netball can get,” she said.
“I have had a competitive nature in schooling and other sports, so the edge netball provides is something I truly thrive on.
“My first time on the court was in 2008 – I played for my school team in New Zealand, and was coaxed into the sport by my mother, who had herself played semi-professionally.”
Her first mentor was Paul Bergman, who coached her swimming squad when Etelini was 10.
Although he did not say much, she says he expected nothing less than 100 per cent every session.
“He nurtured my competitive edge and focussed my mindset on bettering myself so I could be in contention for a top spot in every race,” Etelini said.
“He reinforced that the little things are essential to a successful athlete.”
In regards to netball, Sheryl Burns has been an inspiration and a mentor to Etelini for the past year. She says that while Sheryl may be tough, she has helped her achieve great things.
“She definitely knows how to bring out the best in me, and she is nothing short of inspiring,” Etelini said.
“She may be tough, but they say pressure makes diamonds. I certainly owe my successes of this year to her.”
Etelini says one of the hardest parts about studying such a difficult degree and playing elite netball was keeping organised.
“My days are planned down for what time I need to be at certain places, how long I allocate to study and how much sleep I need each night,” she said. “It’s definitely challenging as I have part-time work to factor in as well, but focusing on one thing at a time has been crucial to my personal success.
“My life is essential ordered chaos and on the rare occasion of a night off I live it to the fullest.”
Etelini hopes to graduate by 2021 and achieve honours, thinking her academic path will be the one she pursues.
“I want to be a physiotherapist or a paediatrician, as both facilitate my love for sport and helping others,” she said.