Connor Gibbs
2nd-year student, Bachelor of Sport and Recreation in Coaching and Management
Deciding to come to AUT to study sport was easy for Connor Gibbs who is currently completing a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation in Coaching and Management.
“I chose this degree because I love sports. It’s been part of my whole life. When I was looking at my study options, AUT stood out the most because of its strong emphasis on practical learning. I love being out of the classroom and learning through practical lessons. I’ve also had friends and family who had been to AUT in the past and recommended going there because of this hands-on experience.”
He has already had plenty of highlights in his studies so far.
“I’ve gained a great group of friends through the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation. We study together almost daily and socialise outside of campus. This has been helpful for our success as we can help each other, and keep one another focused and motivated. Other highlights for me were representing AUT in basketball at a tertiary competition, and gaining real-life workplace experience at a variety of different organisations.”
Working with the Roller Blacks
A passionate basketball fan, Connor loves being able to apply his understanding of coaching to support the sport he loves the most.
“I’m one of the assistant coaches for the New Zealand men’s wheelchair basketball team, the Roller Blacks. The opportunity to expand my knowledge of sport through a disability point of view has been amazing! I’ve been fortunate to travel to Thailand with the team for the Asia Oceania Champions at the beginning of 2024. The people you meet are amazing and they have so much knowledge.”
He loves that his role can also feed back into his studies.
“While taking the Performance Analysis course, I was given the chance to choose a sport I wanted to analyse. By choosing basketball, I could develop my skills in coding games and take this to the Roller Blacks and do game analysis for them alongside my assistant coaching role. With the freedom to research what I want for my courses, my role has helped me do practical research and get real-time results. I could get my study done while looking to develop the game of wheelchair basketball.”
A bright future
Currently in the second year of his studies, Connor already has a good idea how he sees his future after university.
“I’d like to explore the world through sport, better my knowledge and be a big part of a sports team or organisation.”
He has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their university journey.
“My advice is to take every opportunity you get – the best way to develop is to consistently learn from those around you. Be yourself and just enjoy it!”
