Mapped for Success
August 1, 2025
How Alexandra Edwards’ love of Orienteering took her from school PE to the forests of Europe.
What began as a fun lesson in primary school PE has transformed into an international adventure for Year 11 student Alexandra Edwards, whose passion for Orienteering has taken her from local parks to the forests of Europe.
We caught up with her fresh from competing at the European Youth Orienteering Championships (EYOC) to find out more about her remarkable
journey, her training, and why she believes Orienteering is the perfect sport for anyone who loves a challenge.
‘We did Orienteering in PE in Grade 3/4 and I thought it was so much fun,’ Alex recalls. ‘So, in Grade 5 I trialled for the Darling Downs team and managed to win the Sprint at the Queensland Schools Champs later that year.’ By Grade 7, Alex had earned her first Queensland representative spot. What started as ‘just another fun sport alongside tennis and netball’ soon grew into something much bigger.
Selection for the EYOC team to compete in the Czech Republic was no small feat. ‘All of our national results from the past few months were looked at, like the national league rounds in Newcastle and Bendigo, and our Australian ranking,” she explains. Currently ranked 6th in Australia for Women 20 & Under and 3rd for 18 & Under, her consistent results secured her spot.
This wasn’t her first time wearing the green and gold either. Earlier in the year, Alex represented Australia at the Oceania Championships in New Zealand, her first taste of international competition in stunning pine forest and sand dune terrain. The EYOC experience, held in
Czechia, was about far more than just competition. ‘It was so great to experience the atmosphere at such a big international carnival!’ she says. One teammate’s impressive 4th place in the sprint was a shared moment of pride for the whole squad.
And then there’s the cherished end-of event tradition – swapping running shirts with athletes from other countries. ‘I swapped one of my Australian tops for an Austrian top and also managed to get a German and Spanish shirt, a Denmark singlet, and an Irish jumper,’ she laughs. ‘It’s such a fun way to remember the friendships you make.’
In the lead-up to major events, Alex’s training routine balances physical endurance and mental strategy: one long run, an interval run, an easy run, and weekend competitions, plus strength sessions at the gym. ‘I’m still doing tennis three times a week too for extra fitness and fun!’ she adds. And before EYOC, four days of events in Austria helped her adjust to new terrain.
For Alex, Orienteering’s appeal is endless. ‘Firstly, I’ve been lucky to visit the most amazing places. Every run is a new challenge because no map or area is ever the same.’ But the sport’s real heart lies in its people. ‘Everyone is so incredibly friendly. I’ve met some of my best friends through Orienteering and friends from around the world too.’ Beyond friendships and travel, Orienteering teaches valuable life skills such as perseverance, grit, and problem-solving.
‘It’s not just about being the fastest. It’s a mental and physical challenge, and there really is something for everyone. Some people are better at sprints in urban areas, whereas others are better at longer courses in forest areas. And you don’t even have to compete if you don’t want to! A lovely bushwalk with friends on an easier course is always a nice thing to do on your weekend.’
The coming months are going to be very busy for Alex. After the Queensland Schools Championships, she has her sights set on the Australian Nationals in September. And her longer term dream? ‘I’d love to make the Australian team for Junior World Champs (20 & U) in the next few years. Next year is in Sweden, which would be an amazing experience.’
Wherever the compass points next, there’s no doubt Alex’s love of Orienteering will keep guiding her through many more adventures.
More News…
This year’s Queensland Debating Union (QDU) Toowoomba Secondary Schools Competition saw Fairholme teams deliver an outstanding season of debating, showcasing sharp thinking, quick wit, and true Fairholme spirit. ‘We have such a wonderful culture of debating at Fairholme, with a great number of students keen to participate every year. The growth I observe in our debaters is extraordinary, from their confidence in speaking, to their exceptional teamwork and critical reasoning when preparing arguments on a wide range of contemporary issues’, says our Debating Co-ordinator, Mrs Kim Scudamore. A special congratulations goes to our Year 7.4 team, who claimed the Grand Final victory against Toowoomba Grammar School. They successfully argued the affirmative on the topic: ‘That we should actively encourage the use of Artificial Intelligence in classrooms.’ Their ability to build persuasive cases and respond confidently to rebuttals was a testament to their hard work and teamwork throughout the season. Our Year 8, Year 10 and Senior teams also impressed, each reaching their respective Grand Finals and finishing as runners-up after tightly contested debates. Their efforts reflected not only strong debating skills but also resilience and camaraderie in high-pressure settings. In total, 16 Fairholme teams competed this season, with 12 teams making it through to the finals. Congratulations to every debater who took part in this year’s competition. The future of debating at Fairholme is certainly in good hands. Fairholme Grand Final Debaters: Team 7.4 - Sophie Cussons, Suzana Yusaf, Abigail Walker, Norah Joseph and Bella Cherry Team 8.2 - Tanishka Chaudhary, Annabelle King, Claire Fischer and Elaine Mutsando Team 10.1 - Sophie Haller, Richa Vimal, Brooke Johnson, Caitlin Schultheiss, Isabella Kentish and Georgia Nicholls Team 12.1 - Ayesha Saleh, Rori Zimmerman, Chanudi Dissanayake and Mabel Galbraith
Year 8 student Ella Phillips has returned holme after an unforgettable tour of the United States, where she proudly represented Australia in the Babe Ruth Softball World Series as part of the Aussie Drop Bears team. Ella’s journey began in Dallas, Texas, before heading to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where she participated in a high-level training camp with local college softball coaches. The team also competed in warm-up matches to prepare for the main event in Florence, Alabama. Competing in the Under 14 division, Ella and her Australian team made it all the way to the double elimination final, narrowly missing out on the championship title by just one run in a nail-biting 8 - 9 loss. Despite the result, their second-place finish is a highlight achievement for Ella. Ella’s individual performance was nothing short of outstanding. During the closing ceremony, she was named in the Under 14 All World Series Team and the Under 14 All Defensive Team, a testament to her talent and consistency on the field. She also ranked in the top 10 for both batting and fielding statistics across the entire tournament. Reflecting on her journey, Ella shared that her softball career began humbly at home in Taroom encouraged by her mum and PE teachers to trial for the South West state team. That experience sparked a passion for the sport and she now plays for Dodgers Softball Club in Toowoomba. ‘I’ve been really lucky with the support I’ve had,’ Ella said. ‘The stats don’t say everything, but they’re the best I’ve ever had. I’m really proud of how I played in America.’ Boarding since Year 7, Ella has ambitions to study veterinary science but also has her sights set on a softball career. With aspirations to play in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, Ella is already planning her next steps, including a trip to Japan in 2026 to further develop her skills.
Preparing the next generation of athletes for success both on and off the field. Fairholme is proud to be part of an exciting new partnership with the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), through their 2032 Brisbane Olympics Student-Athlete Empowerment Project. This forward-thinking initiative aims to educate and support student athletes across all areas of sport, health, and performance. As part of this project, our High Performance Sport athletes and Sport Physiology students are taking part in ‘Girls 2 Win’, a specialised program dedicated to the education and empowerment of young female athletes. Led by UniSQ experts in female health and performance, Girls 2 Win focuses on the unique aspects of female physiology and how these can influence wellbeing and sporting success. Students are gaining vital knowledge about the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraception and the ways in which physiology can impact athletic performance. Fairholme’s Head of High Performance, Miss Casey Reynoldson, said the benefits of the program reach far beyond the sporting field. ‘By equipping our Middle and Senior School athletes with tailored strategies and practical tools, the program ensures they are empowered to make informed choices - supporting their health, confidence, and performance in every arena.’ With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, initiatives like Girls 2 Win play a key role in shaping and inspiring athletes of tomorrow. In addition, our Sport Physiology students are also involved in the UniSQ’s ‘Mind 2 Win’ program. This program explores the crucial role of the mind in health, wellbeing and performance. Through interactive workshops and practical exercises, students are developing key psychological skills such as focus, resilience, self-awareness, and mindset strategies. These tools will help them manage stress, build confidence and perform under pressure, while also supporting their mental health and long-term success. ‘At Fairholme, we are delighted to provide our students with access to world-class education and research in partnership with UniSQ - helping our young athletes take bold steps towards their sporting goals, and perhaps even towards the Olympic stage in 2032.’
