
Northern Territory tennis standout and former Tennis Palmerston player Amber Sharp has officially taken her game to the global stage, signing a prestigious four-year scholarship with Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Competing in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), Amber is now representing the Bradley Braves in the elite ranks of NCAA Division 1 athletics.
The transition from the Territory to the American Midwest marks a massive leap in Amber’s tennis journey. Trading local courts for the high-stakes environment of the MVC, she is now immersed in a professional-grade program designed to push her both athletically and academically.
The Life of a D1 Athlete
For Amber, the “scholarship life” is far from a holiday. Her week is a masterclass in discipline, built around a gruelling high-performance schedule:
The Early Grind: Every day begins with 6:00 AM tennis sessions to sharpen her game before classes.
Total Conditioning: Her routine includes scheduled weightlifting, strength and conditioning, and tailored nutrition plans.
World-Class Support: The Bradley facilities offer an elite environment, including her own locker and a dedicated athlete nutrition centre. A full support staff looks after the team 24/7, ensuring Amber stays on top of both her physical health and her academic responsibilities.
Hitting Goals On and Off the Court
While her presence on the court is formidable, Amber is equally focused on her future in science. Balancing the demands of a Division 1 athlete, she is currently studying Biochemistry – a challenging degree that requires the same precision as her shots on court.
A Non-Stop Season
The Bradley Braves’ schedule is relentless. Over the next four months, the team is slated for 23 matches against other Division 1 universities. The logistics alone are a marathon; with 13 matches played in other states, Amber will be constantly on the move via flights and road trips across the U.S.
In fact, the work never stops, as Amber is currently in Missouri for two back-to-back matches, continuing her debut season in one of the most competitive collegiate conferences in America.
To find out more about the US College Pathway go to this link HERE
Congratulations Amber! Can’t wait to see what comes out of this amazing experience and pathway!