Dunghutti rugby star Mackenzie Davis' rapid rise in the sport has earned her another honour.
And it's not just on-field accolades the 21-year-old has enjoyed, but also a connection to culture.
On Wednesday, Davis received Unisport's award for Most Outstanding Performance by an Indigenous Student-Athlete.
Already a touch rugby international tournament player, Davis took up Rugby 7s in 2023 after being spotted as a potential talent in the higher-contact format.
Within 18 months she was running out for Australia on the HSBC 7s global circuit, having played her first-ever game in the code at Youth Commonwealth Games trials - later taking home a gold medal at the Games.
By 2025, she was the Junior Women Player of the Year winner at the 2025 Rugby Australia Awards.
"I had never made a tackle, never gone to a rugby game or been around Rugby Sevens," she told Rugby.com.au in 2024.
"It was after a touch tournament 'Parko' (National Talent Pathway Manager Lachlan Parkinson) reached out and asked if I wanted to give it a go and at first I actually said no because I was doing my HSC. A couple of months later, he came back to me and I thought 'Yeah, I'll give it a go'."
Balancing studies and sport, David credits the Australia Catholic University's Elite Athlete and Performer Program (EAPP), offering elements like adjustment options, academic support, flexibility, scholarships and more.
"I couldn't do what I do without the EAPP," Davis said.
"There are times I'm cramming in uni between training or at the airport. But the EAPP understands my schedule and responsibilities and I'm super grateful for their support."
In her debut HSBC 7s campaign, Davis ran in for 16 tries across 25 games.
She's been a successful convert, often noted for her silky footwork on the field.
Though sport has offered much more for Davis.
"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."
The UniSport Australia awards were held in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
