A holistic approach to student-athlete success
Project Empower aims to deliver a high-quality student experience for high-performance student-athletes at the UFS. According to Tebogo Malatjie, counselling psychologist in the SCD, the programme has become a vital component of student-athlete success by addressing academic, psychosocial, and athletic performance needs through tailored support that promotes holistic development.
The programme is built on four pillars: psychosocial support provided by the SCD, academic success support through the CTL, high-performance sport, and fostering a sense of community among student-athletes through KovsieSport. Together, these pillars create an environment where students are supported not only as athletes, but also as individuals preparing to contribute meaningfully to society.
Academic and psychological support
The SCD focuses on the programme's psychosocial and athletic performance components linked to mental well-being. This includes psychological support that promotes students’ mental and emotional well-being, as well as sports psychology interventions aimed at improving individual and team performance.
Addressing the challenges faced by student-athletes
Project Empower was established to support student-athletes who often face the challenge of balancing academic responsibilities with the pressures of high-performance sport. Many students struggle to adapt to university life while managing performance anxiety, demanding schedules, poor academic performance, test anxiety, burnout, procrastination, and uncertainty about future career paths.
The programme addresses these challenges through a proactive, integrated, and supportive approach to student well-being. Ongoing research and engagement with student-athletes continue to shape the programme and ensure that support remains responsive to their needs.
“We provide a safe and transparent high-performance environment where student-athletes are educated, challenged, and supported in every way possible to achieve both academic and sporting excellence,” says Malatjie.
Graduating with purpose and resilience
The impact of Project Empower is reflected in the academic achievements of UFS student-athletes. More than 30 student-athletes graduated during the April 2026 graduation ceremonies, representing various sporting codes including women’s rugby, football, hockey, and netball.
One standout story is that of Tamryn Andrews, a student-athlete and member of the Kovsie Ladies Football team. When she first arrived in Bloemfontein, balancing football, academics, and personal expectations felt overwhelming. Today, after completing her postgraduate qualification, she views success through a different lens.
“Before the Project Empower programme, I could barely cope with my emotions, academic pressure, and adapting to university life. Through interventions such as one-on-one therapy and workshops, the programme helped me identify challenges I did not realise I had, including difficulties with self-regulation, discipline, self-esteem, and self-image. It allowed me the space to recognise and address my mental health challenges,” says Andrews.
She credits the programme for helping shape her academic success while also giving her a renewed outlook on life and clearer career aspirations after graduation.
As the UFS continues to shape responsible societal futures, Project Empower demonstrates how holistic support can help student-athletes thrive academically, personally, and professionally. By investing in the well-being and development of its students, the university is cultivating graduates who are not only successful in sport and academics, but are also equipped to make meaningful contributions to society.