UQ Firebirds scholarship helping students shoot for success
2026 UQ Firebirds Scholarship recipient Chelsea O'Neill.
(Photo credit: The University of Queensland. )
Growing up in regional Queensland, netballer Chelsea O’Neill learned early that the pursuit of sporting dreams often means going the extra mile, sometimes literally.
Now studying Primary Education at The University of Queensland, the 18-year-old is balancing elite netball, university study and work with the support of the UQ Firebirds Scholarship.
Chelsea began playing netball as a 9-year-old in Townsville and progressed steadily through local and representative pathways as a wing defence and centre before being identified by talent scouts while competing at state titles.
But making the under-17 Queensland team required weekly travel to Brisbane during Year 12, all while completing her ATAR.
“Travelling down south every weekend while still finishing school was a big hurdle,” Chelsea said.
“Leaving home was hard, but moving to Brisbane was always the dream.
“I’ve always had the hunger to see how far I could go with netball and my studies, and having my brother in Brisbane has made a huge difference.”
In 2023, Chelsea was one of 13 young athletes from regional Queensland selected in the inaugural Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy.
“Being part of the Firebirds pathway showed me what was possible,” she said.
Chelsea playing centre for Queensland.
(Photo credit: Supplied.)
Chelsea’s decision to study education came down to the wire, making up her mind right before the ATAR results were released last year.
But once made, the decision instantly felt right.
“Coaching netball made me realise how much I love helping kids and being in a position where I can pass my knowledge down the chain,” Chelsea said.
She recently earned selection for Round One of the Ruby Series, a Queensland Netball development competition that sits below the Sapphire Series in the elite pathway to Super Netball.
“Being selected to play in that opening round felt incredible,” she said.
“Making my debut on Mother’s Day was pretty special particularly with my mum there to see what all her sacrifices led to.
“Balancing training, university studies and work is hard, but knowing UQ is backing me takes a huge weight off my shoulders.
“I know how competitive it is but making it to Super Netball or representing Queensland again would mean everything.
“But the next goal is to play consistently in the Ruby Series.”
The UQ Firebirds scholarship program began in 2019 and has helped more than 35 students to attend The University of Queensland.
Applications for eligible students starting their studies in 2027 are open until November 15 2026.
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