After graduating with the Flinders Class of 2024, Claire McCulloch made the leap overseas through the program. She is now a Division 1 water polo athlete studying Sports Management at in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.听
During her recent summer break, Claire returned to Flinders to connect with Year 10 students as part of their inaugural "Getting SET for Success" conference on campus from 22 to 24 July. Joining eight other alumni and current students, she shared her tertiary journey and reflected on how the vital skills and confidence developed at Finders have helped her navigate big ambitions and thrive on the international stage.
As a former member of the Flinders Elite Athlete Program (FEAP), Claire credits the program鈥檚 mentoring with teaching her the time management and mindset needed to balance study, sport and wellbeing, all skills that serve her well as she juggles daily high-level training and full-time study at La Salle.
In this Q&A, Claire shares more about her college and sporting life and the opportunities at Flinders which have shaped her path.
BEYOND FLINDERS Q&A PROFILE: Claire McCulloch (Flinders Class of 2024)
What does life look like for you now?
My life is currently a mix of studying Sports Management and Marketing at La Salle University in Philadelphia while competing as an NCAA Division 1 water polo athlete. My days revolve around classes, training and team life. I'm grateful for the opportunity to study, compete and experience life in the USA.
Living in Philadelphia is an incredible experience. It is a proud city with a strong sports culture and a passionate community. Living on campus means I am learning plenty of life lessons 鈥� from doing my own laundry and managing a budget to dealing with homesickness, adapting to a new culture, building my confidence and becoming more independent.
Please share your achievements and pathways since graduation.
Since graduating, I received an NCAA D1 athletic scholarship to La Salle University in Philadelphia. In my freshman season, our team finished third in the MAAC Conference, narrowly losing the semi-final. I was named in both the Dean's List and the ACWPC All-Academic Team.
Living in one of America's great sporting cities has allowed me to experience elite college sport, travel, build lifelong friendships and become involved in the community. I'm also pursuing internships with Philadelphia sporting organisations to gain experience in sports, events and fan engagement.
What was your favourite Flinders moment?
One of my favourite Flinders memories was being involved in the wide range of co-curricular sports, from playing in social teams with friends to being part of our multi-year premiership water polo team. I also loved supporting other Flinders teams throughout the year. The strong sense of school spirit and community made those experiences incredibly memorable.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Flinders or now?
Rather than one individual, I'm grateful to the entire Flinders community. Teachers, coaches and support staff as well as the administration and wellbeing staff all helped me balance study, elite sport and everyday life. Their flexibility, encouragement and genuine care taught me the importance of kindness, time management and supporting others, lessons that continue to shape me today.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
I always knew I wanted to study and play collegiate sport in the USA, and I was fortunate to secure my scholarship halfway through Year 12. I wasn't certain which career path I wanted to pursue, so I started university with an undeclared major. Since moving to Philadelphia, I've discovered a genuine passion for sports management and marketing, inspired by the city's incredible sporting culture.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you planned?
Not exactly. I initially began university focusing subjects around nursing, but after my first semester I realised my interests were shifting. Experiencing the passion, community impact and behind-the-scenes business of organisations like the Flyers, Eagles, 76ers and Phillies inspired me to change direction. It feels like the right decision and one that better aligns with my strengths and future goals.
What advice do you have for current students?
Don't feel like you need to have your whole future mapped out in Year 12. Be open to opportunities, step outside your comfort zone and say yes to experiences that challenge you.
Flinders has an incredibly strong support network that extends across every part of school life. Take advantage of it. Learning to ask for support, balance your commitments and manage your time effectively are skills that will benefit you long after you leave school.
Most importantly, make the most of everything Flinders has to offer. The friendships, sport, co-curricular activities and experiences outside the classroom often shape your future just as much as your academic results.
What is your advice for students considering the Study & Play USA pathway?
I would recommend doing your research, as the scholarship opportunities vary and funding spans academic and athletic opportunities. Also:
- Keep your grades high
- Talk to the Study & Play USA team
- Research NCAA eligibility (subject selection matters from Year 9)
- Build a highlight video
- Contact coaches early
- Attend showcases
- Build leadership and co-curricular experience
- Don鈥檛 rule yourself out 鈥� coaches recruit people, not just statistics
Do you have a mantra or words of wisdom that you live by?
To me, a helpful mantra is, 鈥淒on't let your circumstances define your potential.鈥�
Living with a lifelong medical condition has taught me that resilience is built by embracing challenges rather than avoiding them. It gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities that once felt impossible, including studying and competing as a D1 athlete in the USA. Every challenge has reinforced that growth happens outside your comfort zone and that resilience, gratitude and persistence can open doors you never expected.
