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Wharenui swimmer Pia Hulley has been awarded a swimming scholarship in the USA, and will leave home in August to take up her place at the University of West Florida (UWF).  Hulley, who swims for Wharenui Swim Club and left Cashmere High School at the end of last year, will join UWF women’s swimming and diving programme as one of three “spring signees.”  For the next four years she will combine study for a degree in exercise science with a packed programme of swim training and competing for the university’s Argonauts woman’s swim team.

UWF’s swim programme was established just two years ago, and under Aussie head coach Andrew Hancock, it has made rapid strides in the competitive environment of US inter-collegiate sport.  The 19 year old backstroke swimmer said her new team is going places.  “Having been through their recruitment process, it’s clear that the UWF swim programme is fast improving and driven by enthusiastic coaches and swimmers.”  She applied late last year through a number of swimming websites.  Before long her times caught the attention of the UWF recruitment programme, who made contact with her through Skype.  After a series of interviews she was offered a place on the 2015/16 team to start in August.

When asked about his latest team member, new coach Hancock said that Hulley would help solidify their backstroke events and they were looking forward to having her on the team.  “We believe that the short course yards format will suit Pia’s strengths , and there is no limit to her upside.  Most importantly she is a going to be a great fit for the character of our team, and we really enjoyed getting to know her throughout the recruiting process.”

When she leaves for Pensacola it will be with the blessing of her current coach Martin Harris.  “He has been very encouraging,” said Hulley.  “He takes the swimmers at (Wharenui) as far as he can with his programme, but the college programme they have in the States take it to another level of intensity and competition.”  Hulley is excited to join the programme and progress through the US college system.  “UWF also offers the tools and assistance to become a well-rounded person, as well as an athlete, both of which are very important to me.  I can’t wait.”

Keep up with Pia and her acheivements here.