Robert Smithies On The Power Of University Sport

The University of Sydney’s (USYD) sports department has been shaped by many to foster a culture defining the university’s national dominance, but for former Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness (SUSF) Executive Director and UniSport Australia Life Member, Robert Smithies, his outstanding leadership and contribution to university sport was recently recognised with an Honorary Fellowship from The University of Sydney, a testament to both his achievements and the lasting impact he has had on student life at USYD.

Reflecting on the recognition and what it means to him, Mr Smithies highlighted the team and culture that helped shape USYD into a national sporting powerhouse. “We had a wonderful group of people who worked hard to achieve things that were previously thought to be too difficult or impossible. The whole team at SUSF pulled together towards numerous goals and stuck at it through thick and thin, with the similarities to a sports team that could be found in our workplace plentiful” he said.

During his twelve years as Executive Director of SUSF, Mr Smithies transformed the sporting experience for students, shaping opportunities, culture, and excellence across the university, fostering a legacy that continues to influence students today.

However, his journey wasn’t without challenges, as infrastructure demands, sceptics, and funding constraints were constant hurdles. Yet, persistence became the defining trait, and gradually challenges and detractors fell away, revealing that the more they achieved, the more that became possible.

Those experiences not only shaped the program’s success, but also Mr Smithies understanding of why sport matters so deeply in a university environment, believing that sport is far more than competition but a cornerstone of student development. “There are so many things you learn playing sport that are mirrors of life, and they are often lessons you can’t learn in the classroom” he explained, emphasising that the dual environment of academic learning and sport participation offers a unique advantage when it comes to personal learning. “It’s easy to talk about grit or resilience in a lecture theatre, but it’s another thing entirely to score a goal in the last minute under pressure. You need both in life, the academic and the real-world experience” he added.

Together, these observations highlight how the impact of university sport extends far beyond just performance. Mr Smithies referenced recent insights shared at the Sydney Uni Sport Blues Dinner spotlighting the growing body of research linking physical activity with improved mental wellbeing. Coupled with evidence that student-athletes tend to be more engaged, healthier, and strong academically, he states that the value of university sport is undeniable.

This commitment to maximising both student outcomes and sporting excellence is reflected in Mr Smithies accomplishments off the field. Leading SUSF through a transformative period, his team built approximately $40 million in sports infrastructure in partnership with USYD and fundraised a further $13 million to support facilities and scholarships, an effort that exceeded expectations and elevated SUSF to new heights. While the building program was underway, the sport program remained strong, with USYD continuing to win titles and grow participation, showing that organisational development and sporting excellence can coexist.

The progress made under his leadership also shaped his perspective on what’s possible for university sport moving forward, saying “We need to keep doing more of everything – elite programs, participation, sport and fitness – and we need resources to do it”. He added that it is essential to keep highlighting Australia’s strong presence on the global sporting stage, as university sport plays a central role in that success.

Beyond elite outcomes, Mr Smithies sees university sport as a way of helping students build and maintain their fitness, while fostering habits that counteract the sedentary lifestyle many adopt in front of screens. He believes that creating these opportunities for students requires leadership grounded in dedication, resilience, and faith in the work, ensuring that sport can have its fullest impact.

It is through this combination of vision and leadership that Mr Smithies has left an enduring legacy at Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness, demonstrating the transformative power of sport in shaping student experiences and inspiring excellence both on and off the field.

Photo Credit: The University of Sydney