Southern Cross crowned surfing’s best at university championships

Southern Cross University (SCU) is Australia’s most successful competitive surfing university after claiming its ninth title at the UniSport Nationals Surfing Championships on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. SCU was also crowned Overall Women’s Champions after the two-day competition.

Leading from the front was Team SCU captain Brittani Nicholl (pictured above), who took out the Women’s Longboard National title and finished fourth in the Shortboard division. The Digital Media and Communications student is a former World Surf League Qualifying Series (WSL QS) pro surfer who has also represented and captained Team Australia in the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Championships.

“Surfing is a strength of Southern Cross University,” said Brittani, who belongs to the University’s Elite Athlete Program. “It is one of those sports we do well in, so for us to bring home that title it felt special, not only individually but as a team. It felt good to know we are the best university when it comes to surfing.”

As well as completing her Digital Media & Communications studies through the University’s Elite Athlete Program, Brittani runs her own business Britt Nicholl Services as a surf coach, works with Surfing NSW across multiple roles including event commentary, and also works with Surfing Australia.

“It’s great to have a uni like SCU behind you as an athlete, to know you have that support. Dave Graham is pretty amazing, always open for discussion in terms of support,” said Brittani. “As an athlete you’re travelling around the country or the world while trying to balance competing, training and study. Just to be at a uni that has that program and the flexibility to be able to understand those commitments and help you make it work is refreshing.”

Dave Graham, the University’s Sport & Recreation Officer and Elite Athlete Program coordinator, was chuffed to see Southern Cross showcase its surfing prowess and once again take home the overall champion’s trophy.

To find out more about SCU’s achievements at the UniSport National Surfing Championship and the Elite Athlete Program, continue reading here.