Wide Bay representative basketballer Jade Psaila plans to turn her love of sport into a career by starting a degree in Sports Studies at USC Fraser Coast.

The Maryborough State High School graduate was Maryborough Basketball’s top female junior in 2016 and hopes to keep making an impact on and off the court this year as she starts university and steps up to senior ranks in the regional basketball competition.

“I was looking for something that would fuel my passion for sport and open doors to a range of sport and fitness careers, so Sports Studies ticks all of those boxes,” Jade said.

“I’ve also been motivated by the huge spike in women participating in sport, and the increasing number of national women’s competitions such as the Women’s National Basketball League.”

The 17-year-old, who has been awarded Maryborough Basketball Association’s Club Person of the Year for the past two years, has set herself a career goal of working for a major sporting organisation when she graduates.

“My dream job is to work with the AFL, either with the men’s competition or the emerging national women's competition.

“I've grown up supporting the North Melbourne Football Club, so working for them would be awesome.”

USC’s Bachelor of Sports Studies is designed to allow students to combine core sport and sport science knowledge with complementary studies, including Tourism, Leisure and Event Management and Marketing.

The OP7 student, who was awarded Maryborough State High’s award for highest achievement in health education and a commendation for business, plans to major in management.

“I always really enjoyed business in school and having management skills as part of my degree will increase my versatility in the workforce,” she said.

Jade said being able to study a sports-related degree without having to leave the region was a great advantage, financially and in terms of support.

“I had planned to study Sports Science at USC Sunshine Coast but studying at the Fraser Coast campus will allow me to stay connected with my family and friends while taking the first steps towards my career goals.”

USC Fraser Coast Orientation will be held Thursday 23 February before classes begin Monday 27 February. Applications are still open via QTAC to study at USC Fraser Coast. For more details visit www.usc.edu.au/learn

— Clare McKay