- 2023 Spotlight #3
Personal Statement
Hi,
My name is Caitlin Woods. I am currently at Wesley College in Year 12.
I will be graduating in 2024 and ready to join a US College in 2025.
Sport has been an extremely important part of my life. At a Junior level, I have competed at an elite standard in a number of sports and have a good understanding of the dedication required to be successful. I competed in Gymnastics, Athletics (track), Cross Country, Basketball, Waterpolo, Equastrian and Touch Football.
At an early age, I trained and competed at a National level in Gymnastics. Training at the Victorian Women’s High Performance Centre (VWHPC) until the age of 9 years, winning multiple team medals and I came third in the State in my age group. I reached a National level in the 1500m Track where I came 4th. I qualified and ran at a National level in Cross Country from the age of 10 through to 14, also winning a number of medals at Regional & State Level. I competed at a National level in Touch football and played and competed at a State level in Basketball. I played at Varsity level in Waterpolo at school.
Why is this important? Because it taught me how to be organised, dedicated and coachable. I had to listen to my body and understand its limits and focus on my mental well-being without overtraining and to be emotionally strong. My parents were very good in making sure that I stayed safe and happy. Which I think has allowed me to continue in sport and find what I truly love, which is Rowing.
When I first discovered rowing at 14, I could not believe what an amazing, challenging, incredibly exciting sport it was. While in year 9 in 2021, I was identified by my current coach as a potential Rower in what you call the Varsity Team. We call it the 1st team. I clocked a 7.24 min 2 KM erg. I was lucky enough to be invited to train in an amazing team of motivated girls. In 2022, this opportunity allowed me to be part of the winning Head of the River team, third at Nationals and a State Championship win. Being with these girls was amazing. They taught me to be dedicated, motivated and passionate ….to be part of a team that thrived together which consolidated my love of the sport.
For 2024 Senior year I was awarded Captain of Boats at Wesley and a school leadership position a Prefect role - Sports CaptaIn.
(Wesley is a high performing sporting school.) So this was a great honour.
In conclusion. Everything I’ve learnt I want to consolidate in my last year of school. I believe this is only the beginning of my journey. When I finish high school, it is my dream to go to the US and Row at College. From there who knows, but I know that I will have an amazing journey that will take me to where I really want to be.
Highest Honour Colours in Rowing, Waterpolo, Cross country and Track & field
Made ( Varsity) First Rowing 8+ team in Year 9 and was athlete in APS Head of the River Premiership winners and 3rd at Nationals Schoolgirls 8+
Selected for Victorian Pathway High performance 8+ team U19 and Victorian boat won the National pathways 8+ state race at Penrith 2023 rowed 7 seat.
Took first in Women's relay at Australian National Championships ... In cross country,
Premiership winners in Cross country from grade 5 and medal winner in State relay races every year.
Won 1500 m State finals U12 qualified for Nationals and ran 4th in the Nationals
Qualified through running in Top 3 in the State for Nationals championship in Cross country every year in juniors.
Played Victorian championships in basketball and played Firsts teams from 9 years old (U12) until finishing in U18 due to rowing clashes.
Played Touch football for Victoria in Nationals competition vs Tasmania but due to other sporting conflicts was unable to continue.
In track, took first at U18 Victorian All-Schools and U20 Victorian All-Schools.
Debating.
From 5 years old till 10 years old competed and trained in IDP International Gymnastics squad. Olympic training Victorian high performance squad.
2021/2022
HOSG: FIRST 8+, 2 seat (4th A final) 6:12:18
HOTR: FIRST 8+, 2 Seat (1st)
HOSG: FIRST 8+ 1st (B final)
HOTR: FIRST 8+ 6 seat stroke side 2nd
School Wesley College Victoria St Kilda Rd camp as Melbourne
School sports Prefect ( Captain) final year 2024 elected position by school and students
https://youtube.com/@liamcaitlin1?si=RsorLGJ_LajJ_Lqc
