Two Sports Scholars of Matthew Flinders Anglican College are achieving exciting opportunities through their respective sports. As part of the Flinders Elite Athlete Program (FEAP), they are also learning how to balance their sporting and academic goals while supporting their health and wellbeing.
Isabelle Abbey in Year 10 was selected in the Under 19 Sunshine Coast Netball team, achieving an impressive third place at the recent State Championships.
While Toby Coghlan in Year 9 is excelling in rugby union, achieving selection in the Under 15 Sunshine Coast Boys team to compete against some of the best young rugby union players in the state in Term 3.
We caught up with Isabelle and Toby to share a glimpse into their achievements, goals, and sporting dreams. See their Q&A profiles below.
Apply for Scholarships Now: 2027 Scholarship Applications Close This Friday!
Matthew Flinders Anglican College is inviting aspiring students to apply for its 2027 Scholarship Program. Applications close at 9:00am this Friday, 5 June 2026. Scholarships are available across Music, Sports, and Principal’s categories, offering tailored elite support for outstanding students entering Years 7 to 12 in 2027. Learn more and apply online here
Flinders Sports Scholar: Isabelle Abbey, Year 10 | Netball
Isabelle Abbey was recently selected in the Under 19 Sunshine Coast Netball team. The team travelled to Brisbane to compete at the State Championships (May 7-10) at the Nissan Arena, finishing in third place.
Isabelle had a fantastic tournament and represented both her team and community with great skill, determination and sportsmanship. Her selection in the representative side and strong performances across the championships are a wonderful achievement and reflect the hard work and commitment she continues to show in her netball journey.
Q: Tell us about some of your recent sporting achievements.
Isabelle: I have been very happy to have played on the following teams:
Queensland U15 Netball team 2025
Sunshine Coast U19 Schoolgirls Netball team
Sunshine Coast Thunder Netball Emerald team, which competes in Queensland's state league competition.
I also have the QISSN (Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball) Carnival approaching (28 June to 3 July), games with the Thunder Netball Emerald squad in Brisbane every Sunday, and Monday night netball games with our Flinders Firsts. We have finals approaching near the end of Term 2. Our Flinders Firsts is also very excited to have qualified for the Vicki Wilson Cup, which is in Brisbane in August.
Q: What are your sporting and academic goals for 2026 and beyond?
Isabelle: My sporting goals are to progress through pathways, be selected in the QLD U17 team and to have fun. Academically, I am aiming to consistently achieve high endeavours and good marks.
Q: What are you learning from your FEAP mentors and FEAP workshop presenters?
Isabelle: The guidance from my mentor helps me to be organised. I have appreciated getting extra support and help with time management to balance my sport and school work. The FEAP sessions and guest speakers are improving my mindset as the presenters share tips on how they handle pressure and maintain a good mindset, which is reassuring. I am learning strategies to hold strong under pressure and to adapt to different players and better understand their playing styles on my team.
Q: Do you have a favourite FEAP workshop so far?
Isabelle: My favourite workshop was with Nathan Martin, a local tennis sports coach and fitness mentor.
Note: Nathan has worked on the ATP and WTA circuits since 1999, training the likes of Lleyton Hewitt for many years, including a spell as head tennis trainer at the renowned Sanchez Casal tennis academy in Barcelona.
Q: Who is your sporting role model and why?
Isabelle: Australian netball player Cara Koenen is my sporting role model because of her composure, consistency and determination, as well as her ability to be humble.
Flinders Sports Scholar: Toby Coghlan, Year 9 | Rugby Union
Toby was recently selected for the District School Boys Rugby Union Team, which competed at the Regional Trials in Caloundra. Toby performed strongly throughout the trials and was selected as an outside back in the Under 15 Sunshine Coast Boys team. Toby will now travel to Townsville from July 29 to August 2 to compete against some of the best young rugby union players in the state.
Q: What are your sporting goals for 2026 and beyond?
Toby: My main goal for this year is to keep developing as a rugby player and improving the key parts of my game. I aim to continue performing to my full potential, and would like to play rugby at the highest level I can. One of my bigger dreams is to possibly represent Australia in rugby sevens at the Olympics, or play for the Wallabies in a future World Cup.
Q: What are your academic goals at Flinders?
Toby: I want to balance my school work and my sport commitments so that I can achieve a strong ATAR in the future to give me options around my sport.
Q: What support do you appreciate through FEAP?
Toby:
- Support with school and managing my academic load.
- Attending workshops to help develop aspects of being an athlete.
- Being surrounded by other high-achieving athletes helps me push myself to a higher level.
Q: How do your FEAP mentors and FEAP workshop presenters help you to grow?
Toby: I’m learning to manage my time so that I stay on top of my schoolwork while balancing commitments with sport. My favorite workshop was on mindset. I learned about the importance of the mental side of sport, and the impact it can have on my performances.
