Finlay Sherlock

Fin Sherlock was once advised that university might not be for him. Now, with a master’s degree behind him and a career in the sport industry, he is putting his learning into practice on the other side of the Tasman.   

Fin, who completed both a Bachelor and a Master of Health, Sport and Human Performance at the University of Waikato, now works in the integrity team at Basketball Queensland, where his role focuses on safeguarding and creating positive sporting environments.   

Part of that work involves highlighting the important role parents play in shaping children’s experiences of sport – including how sporting organisations can help turn negative sideline behaviour into positive support.   

I struggled academically at school, and I had a seed of doubt about whether university was for me. But once I got to the University of Waikato, I had the complete opposite experience – I was studying subjects I was genuinely interested in, inspired by academics with a range of expertise and being challenged along the way.

Working as a rowing coach while studying, Fin admits university was never simply about gaining a qualification. It was an opportunity to learn, test ideas and apply them in the real world.   

As an undergraduate, he majored in Human Performance Science and Political Science, an unusual combination that connected sport and science with policy and governance.  

“I loved moving between subjects – from biomechanics to a policy lecture on the same day.”  

Despite coaching for around 30 hours a week, Fin initially had little interest in studying coaching too. Yet a timetable clash in his third year meant he needed to take a coaching paper to complete his double major.   

“Within a week, I had fallen in love with that side of sport. I was introduced to questions around how to engage people in sport and get the best out of them, rather than viewing performance solely through data.” 

It was Dr Will Roberts (opens in a new tab), Head of School, Sport & Human Movement, who had the greatest influence on him. 

"Will helped me understand how academic ideas translate into real sporting environments. He also helped me build connections and gain experience with people working professionally in sport.” 

Alongside his studies and coaching, Fin was heavily involved with the University’s rowing club and gained professional experience with organisations including Rowing New Zealand and Sport Waikato.   

Fin was also the recipient of a Summer Research Scholarship which exposed him to university research and ultimately shaped the direction of his master’s study. He was also supported by University’s Research Masters Scholarship.  

He encourages students to make the most of the opportunities that exist beyond lectures and assignments – particularly the chance to learn from people who are deeply passionate about their field.  

“The academic side is important, but it’s such a privilege to be at university and work with people who care so much and are so passionate and engaged by what they do.”