Lina Ye (2020)
My favourite thing about quidditch is that everyone is amazing. I’m a first-year student who just finished high school. The thing I worry about the most is that I can’t find any friends at university. But I also hate being forced into social interaction with people I know nothing about, so I didn’t really want to join any clubs or societies that my friends are not in. But I was quite an into quidditch when I was watching Harry Potter’s film, so I decided to give it a shot during orientation week. The second I step on the pitch as a beater, there’s nothing but cheering from the crowds, also whoever was teaching me the rules in that game (I totally forget who that person is I’m sorry hahaha) was very patient and experienced, and thus helps me with beating a lot. After the game, I remember Lilian came up to me and told me how good I was during the game and she believes that I’m going to be an amazing beater like her. I was very moved since I have no experience in physical games before but still getting praise from a stranger, this gives me confidence and also an important reason for me to join quidditch.
In my first tournament of quidditch, I was very honoured to be a part of unspeakable, but also pressured because I don’t want to lose any game. But unfortunately, the snitch was caught by another team and we lost the game. I cried a lot because I think I wasn’t helping much in the game because of the lack of skills and understanding of the rule. I felt embarrassed but everyone was very kind and nice to me, like Kim and Harry and so on were all there by my side and helped me to understand that it’s ok to lose, and encourage me to stay in quidditch and keep on training.
Not only on the pitch, but also off-pitch, during the crisis like this, we still get to gather around and support each other by zoom (Thanks to Sammy and his work-out session every week, I manage to stay healthy). Therefore I think that’s the best part of quidditch, is that everyone is amazing, kind, friendly and inclusive.
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Lina Ye began playing quidditch at the start of 2020 with the University of Sydney Quidditch Club.
Photo: Ajantha Abey Quidditch Photography
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Hayden Reeve (2017)
My favourite thing about quidditch is that it brings together such a wide range of people to play sport. It gives opportunity to many who would not normally engage in sporting activities to exercise doing something they enjoy, while also lending itself to high level athletes from a wide range of backgrounds. Listening to stories from my teammates is truly heart-warming.
People who never really enjoyed sports, finding something that they are passionate about and look forward to every week
People who were unfit, running further, playing harder and giving their all to improve week in and week out
People who were uncoordinated, learning to catch, throw and run all while holding a broom between their legs
People who have put their heart and soul into quidditch, and through their hard work have made it all the way from a small local team to be a part of the national team
And most importantly, stories of people from vastly different walks of life, states and countries becoming friends, supporting and encouraging each other to be better, on and off the field
I would never have crossed paths with the people on my team if not for quidditch, but I am so glad I did. Sharing these moments of joy and growth with them is what drives my passion for this unique sport.
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Hayden began playing with the Augureys in 2017 and is the club’s treasurer.
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Daisy McMillan (2018)
This is a big one for many people I’m sure, but I just have to say my favourite thing about quidditch is the social aspect of it all! I’ve met not only the best people ever, but also my best friends in the whole world and the love of my life. I cannot thank quidditch enough for that and I will forever love the sport and it’s community for giving me so much in life!
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Daisy began playing with the USC Dementors in 2018, and has since become a QLD Thunderbird as well.
Photo: Taylor Angelo Quidditch Shots
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