Former Southland Boys’ High School student and Academy Southland athlete James McLeay has just completed his first year at Princeton University, where he is studying Business and Economics and competing in middle-distance running.
James is one of many Southlanders whose tertiary study has been supported through ILT Tertiary Scholarships, which are now open for applications.
James drew attention early when, at 16, he placed third in the 1500m at the Australian Under 20 Athletics Championship and later became only the fifth New Zealander to reach the U20 1500m final at the World Junior Athletics Championships in Peru. Those performances, alongside his academic record, helped open the door to Princeton University.
James describes the experience as both challenging and rewarding.
“I loved my first year, it was pretty amazing. It definitely had its challenges but it was more rewarding.”
“I soon learnt that I was a small fish in a big pond. The competition intensified but when you’re training and competing with top athletes it really helps.”
Alongside lectures and assignments, James trains and races in a highly competitive collegiate setting, but he is clear that study comes first. A mindset he established during his time at Southland Boys’.
“It’s a bit of a balance with training and education but ultimately my studies come first. If there’s a test or assignment, I’ve got to get that done first. I think I’ve managed pretty well.”
“Sometimes you’re competing against Olympians, but I’ve got great people around me. I’ve been fortunate to train with Miles Hogan and Connor McCormick whose college best in the 1500m is 3:35. It’s been awesome having them as mentors and friends.”
“With Ivy League competition your score matters but what’s more important is your points go towards the team result. Even though we race individually, it’s very much a team sport. I’ve really enjoyed that element.”
James credits ILT supported Academy Southland, with equipping him for the transition to life and study overseas.
“The skills I learnt at Academy Southland have been a massive help – from the mental skills I did with Jason, nutrition with Josie and chats with Carley. It all just came into play.”
“I adapted pretty well and didn’t have any major surprises. I was nervous at the start but I was thrown in the deep and just got on with it.”
James says on campus accommodation makes it easier to juggle study and training.
“All halls are on campus, so it’s really handy to classes. Basically, everyone lives on campus. It’s like its own town and being close to training facilities and cross-country trails makes it really easy for me.”
James has put his first scholarship payment towards an essential study item, and will receive another $2,000 each year for the next two years as part of ILT’s Tertiary Scholarship
“I put my scholarship towards a new laptop. I had a really old one from my time at Boys’ High. It was nice to have a new laptop because you need it all the time.”
In his ILT Tertiary Scholarship application, James reflected on how ILT community funding has helped shape his journey.
“Over the years, ILT’s funding has significantly impacted my life, shaping my experience as an active Southland kid. From participating in triathlons, Kidzone festivals right to my youth swimming lessons in the learners’ pool at Splash Palace. ILT grants have helped me represent NZ at the highest level, and sponsorship of programmes such as Academy Southland has been pivotal in my development not just as an athlete but as a human being.”
With ILT Tertiary Scholarships now open, James’ journey shows how local support can help talented Southlanders study at world-class institutions and compete on the global stage. James will head back to Princeton later this month to begin his second year.