Alex Campion: Swimming at Northeastern University
Alex Campion graduated from Diocesan in December 2024, and in September 2025, she will begin her next chapter at Northeastern University in Boston. She’ll compete in Division 1 Swimming while pursuing a Business Administration degree. Her scholarship, valued at approximately $85,000 NZD per year, covers tuition and other expenses, allowing Alex to focus fully on her studies and athletic career.
“I was lucky enough to talk to several American universities during the recruitment process,” says Alex. “In the end, Northeastern stood out to me for its strong academic reputation and incredible swimming program. The university is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 5.2%, which made it an even bigger honour to be accepted.”
Drawn to Northeastern for its academics, Alex was also motivated by the opportunity to compete at an elite level. “Being able to swim at a Division 1 program is a dream,” she explains. “I’ll be competing alongside some of the best swimmers in the world, and I can’t wait to challenge myself both in the pool and in the classroom.”
Alex also appreciated the flexibility of the U.S. university system. “Being able to explore different areas before committing to a major takes the pressure off. I’m keeping an open mind, and Northeastern’s resources make it possible to balance my academic and athletic goals.”
She credits the Dio Career Development Team for their crucial role. “Their help was invaluable,” Alex says. “They made sure everything was submitted correctly, which was critical for my acceptance into such a competitive program.”
Brooke Chandler: Field Hockey at Harvard University
Similarly, Brooke Chandler, who graduated from Diocesan in 2023, will begin her studies in September 2025 at Harvard University, where she will play Division 1 Field Hockey. “I spoke to a number of top colleges and was fortunate to receive several full scholarship offers,” says Brooke. “But Harvard was a clear choice, its academic reputation is unmatched, and their hockey program is consistently in the top teams in the US.
Brooke deferred her start at Harvard to focus on equestrian eventing as a member of the New Zealand High Performance Talent ID Squad. “I wanted to dedicate this time to pursuing my equestrian goals,” she shares. “Taking a gap year allowed me to fully commit to that.”
Brooke’s ability to balance two demanding sports alongside her commitment to academic excellence demonstrates a rare discipline and resilience that will serve her well at Harvard.
Brooke has remained connected to Dio Hockey, actively coaching the Dio 2nd XI Hockey Team and the Year 7/8 team. “It’s been really rewarding to give back to the program that helped shape me,” she says.
Academically, Brooke plans to study Finance and Economics at Harvard through its world-renowned Business School. “I’ve always had an interest in finance, and Harvard will give me the opportunity to explore this passion with exceptional teaching and resources.”
Like Alex, Brooke acknowledges the Dio Career Development Team, “They ensured my academic records were submitted accurately, an important part of the application process,” she says.
The Journey Ahead
Both Alex and Brooke have exciting journeys ahead. For Alex, the chance to compete in Division 1 swimming while studying business in Boston is the perfect blend of passion and purpose. “I can’t wait to meet like-minded people and experience life in the U.S.,” she says.
Brooke is equally enthusiastic about what lies ahead. “It’s a huge step, but I’m ready,” she says. “Harvard offers the chance to grow in every way—on the field, in the classroom, and as a person.”
These two young women exemplify what it means to be a Dio graduate: ambitious, focused, and prepared to take on the world. Their journeys are just beginning—but their foundations were built right here at home.
