The youngster was a member of the University of New England (UNE) women’s football team, which returned home with a bronze medal.

UNE beat the University of Technology, Sydney, 2-1 to take out the play-off and finish on the dais alongside Sydney University (gold) and Melbourne University (silver).

It was a great effort by the UNE players, many of whom had never met let alone played together prior to the Games.

The squad upstaged Curtin University, University of Adelaide, University of Western Australia and RMIT on its way to the bronze medal game, losing only twice, both times to eventual gold medallists Sydney University.

Akauma admitted she was thrilled with the result.

“I was very surprised on how well we went over in Perth,” she said.

“Considering half of the team had only met, when meeting the day before, at Sydney airport.

“I’m a netballer and also starting out in rugby, so it was a first time thing for me.

“But, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience.

“There were some quality teams we competed against that had been playing together for years and were very well-drilled.

“For a country university, I’m stoked about UNE’s achievement against some outstanding metropolitan university sides.

“It was a great opportunity to be a part of the team.”