At just 16, Grow a Star recipient Sophie Hamilton has already represented NSW, competed internationally and brought home gold and silver medals from the International Children’s Games in South Korea.
And she has her sights set on much more.
The Warners Bay teenager received a sporting scholarship through Grow a Star, Home in Place’s youth support program, helping her continue pursuing her passion for swimming, pool rescue and surf lifesaving.
Swimming has been part of Sophie’s life for almost as long as she can remember. She started lessons at just six months old and, as she grew older, began competing at increasingly higher levels.
“I love setting goals, challenging myself and seeing the progress that comes from consistent training and dedication,” Sophie says.
As well as her success in South Korea, Sophie has been Australian National Champion in the 50m Fins for the past two years and was named U16 Overall Champion at the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships in Perth.
But behind the medals is an enormous amount of work.
“What stands out most to me is not just what Sophie has achieved, but the amount of commitment and dedication she puts in behind the scenes,” her mum Belinda says.
“There are early mornings, training, competitions, travel and the challenge of balancing sport with school and everything else that comes with being a teenager.
“She has worked incredibly hard to reach the level she is competing at, and I am very proud of the person she has become along the way.”
That commitment extends beyond sport. Sophie attends Warners Bay High School and has been named Vice Captain for next year, a role she describes as a huge honour.
“It means a lot to know that my school community has trusted me to take on a leadership role,” Sophie says.
Grow a Star has helped remove some of the financial barriers involved in competing at a high level and helped Sophie continue taking part in national championships.
“The support has helped me continue competing and attend national championships, which has been a really valuable opportunity,” Sophie says.
For Belinda, the impact has gone beyond financial assistance.
“Grow a Star has been about so much more than financial support for her — it has given her the opportunity to pursue her passions, build her confidence and continue believing in what she can achieve.”
Sophie is already looking ahead. She wants to keep improving across swimming, pool rescue and surf lifesaving, represent NSW at the highest level she can and continue competing nationally and, hopefully, internationally. She would also like to continue her education and eventually study at university.
Her advice to other young people with a goal of their own is simple.
“Sometimes there are financial or other barriers that can make opportunities seem out of reach, but support like Grow a Star can help make those opportunities possible.
“If you have a goal that you really care about, keep working towards it and don’t give up.”
Grow a Star supports young people aged 10 to 18 to overcome financial barriers and pursue their sporting, academic, artistic or other goals.
