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Mackenzie Davis's superpower

Connection to her heritage has been like a superpower for Mackenzie Davis who has been announced as Unisport Australia’s 2025 winner of the Most Outstanding Performance by an Indigenous Student-Athlete.

Key points

• Occupational therapy student Mackenzie Davis, has been honoured with UniSport Australia's 2025 Most Outstanding Performance by an Indigenous Student-Athlete award
• The award recognised her performances throughout the 2025 HSBC 7s season
• ACU’s EAPP can support student-athletes with flexible study options, preferential class selection, career development and a host of academic supports

The Rugby 7s star and Australian Catholic University student was honoured at the UniSport Sports Awards Presentation at RMIT University in Melbourne.

Her recognition was the latest in a starburst series of achievements on the global HSBC 7s circuit, including winning the Junior Women's Player of the Year at the 2025 Rugby Australia Awards.

Mackenzie grew up in Sydney but has a strong link via her mother Tina with the Dunghutti nation on the New South Wales mid-north coast.

That celebrated breeding ground for athletes is the same region that launched rugby league champions Greg Inglis and Preston Campbell.

“I've been able to connect with mob through sport,” Mackenzie said.

“I'm so proud of that aspect of my life and it's really helped me understand my identity.”

At just 21, Mackenzie has already made enormous strides breaking into a decorated national team that includes world class performers Isabella Nasser, Madison Ashby and the Levi sisters – Maddison and Teagan.

After making her debut in Cape Town in 2024, Mackenzie’s speed and dynamic footwork helped her to 16 tries in her debut season.

The 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games gold medallist has now struck 19 times from 10 events on the circuit.

Mackenzie is in the second year of a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree, following in the footsteps of ACU alum, Rugby 7s Olympic gold medallist Emma Tonegato.

Balancing her sporting career with global travel and academia is a delicate and sometimes chaotic relationship.

It evens out harmoniously through membership of ACU’s Elite Athlete and Performer Program.

“I couldn’t do what I do without the EAPP,” Mackenzie said.

“There are times I'm cramming in uni between training or at the airport. But the EAPP understand my schedule and responsibilities and I’m super grateful for their support.”

Media Contact: Damien Stannard, 0484 387349, damien.stannard@acu.edu.au