Rhys Kilo’s journey at Albury High School has been one of dedication, passion, and leadership, all culminating in an exciting next chapter. As a 2024 graduate, Rhys is heading to Deakin University in Melbourne to pursue a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science. This course aligns perfectly with his interests, blending his love for sport with a scientific approach to movement, mobility, and injury prevention.
“I’ve always been heavily involved in sport and love participating in outdoor activities,” Rhys shares. “This course offers me a chance to stay close to home while developing a career that I’m truly passionate about—helping people stay active and overcome injuries.”
Rhys’ time at Albury High was marked by an impressive commitment to school sports, where he excelled both as an individual and as part of various teams. He competed at the NSWCHS Swimming Championships every year from Year 2 to Year 12, winning a bronze medal in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay in 2019. In addition, Rhys proudly represented the school in a number of sports, including squash, water polo, and AFL.
One of his standout achievements was being part of the 2023 Open Boys AFL team that secured the Bill Taylor Cup after a long drought. “Winning the Bill Taylor Cup was such a rewarding experience. Being part of a team that achieved something so significant for our school was incredible,” Rhys recalls.
Rhys’ involvement in water polo was equally impressive. Over the years, he represented Victoria, the ACT, and Tasmania at the Water Polo Australia State Championships, a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. His commitment to water polo extended beyond playing; he also coached junior teams for his club, Northside. “Coaching has been a great way for me to give back to the sport I love,” Rhys reflects.
At Albury High, he played for the AHS Open Boys Water Polo team from 2019 to 2024. In 2024, the team earned a silver medal in the NSWCHS Open Boys Water Polo Knockout. The pinnacle of his water polo career came when he was selected for the NSWCHS Water Polo team in 2023, an achievement that gave him the opportunity to travel and compete across Australia.
But Rhys’ dedication to sport didn’t stop at school competitions. He also worked part-time at SwimTech in Lavington, sharing his passion for swimming with others and gaining further experience in the sporting industry.
For Rhys, school sport wasn’t just about personal success—it was about building connections and growing as an individual. “Being involved in so many different teams helped me meet great people and build my confidence,” he reflects. “It was challenging at times, balancing sport with academics, but it made my time at Albury High enjoyable and rewarding.”
A major factor in Rhys’ academic success was his older sister, Alanah, who recently completed her university studies. “Having Alanah as a role model has been an advantage. Seeing how dedicated she was to her studies showed me the level of commitment needed to achieve my goals,” Rhys says. “Her study tips really helped me stay on track and achieve the marks I needed to be accepted into the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at Deakin University.”
Throughout his time at Albury High, Rhys embraced numerous leadership opportunities. His proudest moment came in 2024 when he was appointed School Prefect. “Being selected as Prefect was such an honour, and it was a privilege to represent the school. Laying a wreath at the Remembrance Day Ceremony in 2023 on behalf of AHS was a particularly meaningful moment for me,” Rhys shares.
Looking ahead, Rhys is excited to continue his academic and sporting journey, confident that his time at Albury High has set a strong foundation for success. “Albury High has given me so many opportunities to grow, both in sport and in leadership. I’m looking forward to the next chapter at Deakin University and to continuing my passion for sport and helping others stay active.”
Rhys Kilo is a shining example of the well-rounded, driven students that Albury High nurtures, and we look forward to seeing where his passion for sport, coaching, and leadership takes him in the future.
