Riding the Waves – Freya Walsh Class of 2015

Freya Walsh racing at the recent State Championships at Scarbrough.

Meet Freya Walsh, a former boarder from the Class of 2015. Freya has taken life by the horns, excelling in geology, surf boat racing, and medicine. Her story is one of adventure, resilience, and making the most of every opportunity.

Boarding Life and Finding Her Place

Starting as a Year 9 boarder in 2012, Freya admits she was nervous about stepping into a new school where she didn’t know anyone. But she threw herself into everything Santa Maria had to offer, particularly sports.

“I got heavily involved in IGSSA sports, I just loved representing the College. I’d give anything a go!” she recalls. By Year 12, she was Liturgy Captain, which gave her invaluable experience in public speaking and event coordination. “It really helped me develop my confidence. I never thought I’d be standing up in front of people giving speeches, but I did, and I loved it.”

From Rocks to Medicine

After graduating, Freya pursued a double degree in Applied Geology and Environmental Biology at Curtin University. Her studies took her all over WA, mapping landscapes and researching native flora and fauna.

“I absolutely loved the fieldwork side of things, being outdoors, discovering new things, and understanding how our environment works,” she says.

She landed a graduate position at BHP in 2021 as a geologist, working in the Pilbara. But after a few years in the industry, she felt a pull toward a different kind of challenge.

“I realised my real passion was medicine. I wanted to work more directly with people and make a difference in their lives,” she explains. So, in early 2024, she made a huge shift and started studying a Doctor of Medicine at Notre Dame in Fremantle.

Freya Walsh (second from the left) & FSLSC Crew in Coffs Harbour NSW | Semi-Final knockout

Diving into Surf Boat Racing

Freya has always loved the ocean, but surfing lifesaving wasn’t something she had the chance to do as a child. That changed when she joined Fremantle Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) in 2020, combining her love for sport and the sea.

“I got into rowing on the river during Uni, and a few friends introduced me to surf boats. It’s intense, but I absolutely fell in love with the sport,” she says.

For those unfamiliar, surf boat racing involves a crew of four rowers and a sweep navigating big waves and unpredictable surf conditions. It’s a physically and mentally demanding sport, but that’s what Freya thrives on.

“The thrill of racing in big surf is unreal. You never know what the ocean will throw at you. One race could be calm, and the next you’re getting smashed by a massive wave!”

Challenges and Highlights

Surf boat racing isn’t for the faint-hearted. The unpredictability of the ocean means crews have to be prepared for anything.

“There’s always a risk. Boats flipping, colliding, or getting dumped by waves. But that’s part of the challenge, and it makes the victories even sweeter,” she says.

One of her proudest moments? Representing WA at the Australian Surf Rowers League Championships.

“We finished third! It’s just one point behind Queensland, who usually dominates. And winning the Grand Relay, where all WA crews raced together and took the win by seven boat lengths? That was something special.”

Freya and Blake (from another crew) after winning bronze for WA

Balancing Medicine, Sport, and Life

With a full-time medical degree and a rigorous training schedule, Freya has had to master the art of balance.

“I’ve always played sports, so juggling study, training, and life has become second nature. Early mornings can be brutal, but I love what I do, and that keeps me going,” she says.

She credits teamwork and communication as key factors in making it work. “My crew knows I’m busy with study, and I know they have commitments too. We support each other, and that’s what makes a great team.”

What’s Next?

With the surf season wrapping up, Freya is shifting her focus to winter training with the West Australian Rowing Club. At the same time, she’s diving deep into her medical studies, determined to make a difference in healthcare.

“I don’t know exactly where medicine will take me yet, but I’m excited to find out. And as for surf boats? There’s definitely more racing in my future.”

Freya’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and grabbing life’s opportunities with both hands. Whether she’s battling waves, diagnosing patients, or leading the way in sport, she continues to make Santa Maria proud.

“I’ve learned that saying yes to opportunities, even the scary ones, can lead to the most amazing experiences. You just have to give things a go.”

And that’s advice we can all take to heart.

  • AlumniSpotlight, BoardingSchoolLife, ClassOf2015, Featured, FreyaWalsh, MedicalJourney, SurfBoatRacing

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation.  Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world.  Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD.  We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.

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