Victoria University Golfers Prepare for the World Stage

An international opportunity, two enthusiastic student golfers and a community determined to help them get there: Erika Cui and Teisa Mania Vaka’s journey to the 2026 FISU World University Golf Championships shows what can happen when people get behind their athletes.

The Victoria University of Wellington students depart for Thailand at the end of this week, joined by team manager Glenda Swan. They will represent New Zealand and their university at Bangkok Golf Club, with competition scheduled for 10–13 November.

The 20th edition of the World University Golf Championships is expected to bring together 151 golfers from 20 countries, providing a valuable opportunity for Erika and Teisa to test themselves against an international university field.

First held in Cagliari, Italy, in 1986, with 53 athletes from seven countries, the championships have since travelled across Europe, Asia and Africa. Following recent editions in Italy in 2022 and Finland in 2024, the event returns to Thailand, which previously hosted in 2004.

For both players, the championships offer a special opportunity to combine their university studies with international sporting ambitions, and they have embraced it wholeheartedly.

“Honestly, when Steve Weir (General Manager at Golf Wellington) first mentioned the opportunity to me, I was 100% keen. Anything golf-related, I'm always up for!” says Teisa.

“But once he explained more about what the event involved, I thought it sounded like an amazing experience and an incredible opportunity to compete internationally.”

Erika is equally enthusiastic.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and such a cool experience. Being able to travel somewhere I’ve never been before, compete against new people and play golf overseas is always so exciting.”

Making that opportunity a reality has brought together Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington Golf, UTSNZ, the players’ families and their local golfing community.

Team Manager, Glenda Swan says Wellington Golf went “above and beyond” by organising a fundraising golf event and auction. Royal Wellington, where Erika and Glenda play, provided the venue, with golfers from Royal Wellington and Teisa’s club, Shandon, joining together for a nine-hole Ambrose event.

“The event raised enough to cover the team’s costs, as well as uniforms, caddies, yardage books and other essentials,” says Glenda.

“It really highlights what can be achieved when sporting organisations work closely with not just players and their families, but also with key stakeholders such as UTSNZ and Victoria University of Wellington, and the wider commnity.”

That collective support has opened the door to an experience both players hope will help them grow, on and off the course.

Erika has just finished her Honours year in Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington. Introduced to golf by her father through junior lessons, she has already experienced the opportunities the sport can create, including playing college golf in the United States.

“I got to travel to some amazing courses and meet some of my closest friends along the way.”

Now, further study back in New Zealand has provided another route to international competition.

“Representing New Zealand and my university is such an honour. It’s something you dream about when you first pick up the sport, so to have the opportunity to do it is really special. I’m super excited, grateful and honoured to experience this.”

For first-year student Teisa, who is studying Psychological Science and the Study of Religion, the prospect brings a mixture of excitement, nerves and pride.

“I think being able to represent anything is always a privilege, so being able to represent New Zealand and Victoria University is really special. Especially as a first-year student, it's both exciting and a little nerve-racking. But mostly exciting!”

Her introduction to the sport came through a family mini-golf outing, which sparked an interest in pursuing golf further. More recently, she celebrated winning the National Interprovincials alongside her teammates.

University life now means fitting practice around classes and spending much of her weekend on the course. In the lead-up to Thailand, her preparation has been a family effort.

“Everyone at Golf Wellington has been incredibly supportive, especially Steve and Glenda, who have been the main communicators between everyone involved in organising this opportunity,” says Teisa.

“But most of all, my dad. He's been getting up at 6 or 7 in the morning this last week just to help me work on the little things in my game. I appreciate everything he does for me, and I just hope I can go out there, play well, and make him proud.”

Erika also credits her parents’ unwavering encouragement.

“Their unconditional support throughout my entire golfing journey has meant everything to me, and I owe so much to them. I’d also like to acknowledge Wellington Golf for all their support and for helping make this opportunity possible.”

For team manager Glenda, supporting the team reflects a belief in the value of pathways that allow young women to keep developing in sport while pursuing their education.

“Victoria University provides an environment where students can pursue their academic goals while continuing to develop their sporting ambitions,” she says.

“Balancing university study with competitive sport can be challenging, so having opportunities that recognise and support both is important.”

“International competitions give young women the chance to test themselves, build confidence and see what is possible in their golfing journey.”

Both players are looking forward to testing their games in a new environment. Erika wants to build on her previous international experience and see how she adapts to different playing conditions. Teisa is eager to learn from the golfers around her.

“I hope to learn a lot from the experience, develop new skills, and take away things that I can apply to my own game to help me improve in the future.”

Sharing the experience with a familiar teammate and manager makes the opportunity even more meaningful.

“We've been part of a team together before on a national stage, and we had such a great time, so I'm really looking forward to doing it all again on an international level,” says Teisa.

Victoria University of Wellington also expressed its pride in seeing the pair represent their university and New Zealand.

“We are incredibly proud to see Erika and Teisa representing Victoria University of Wellington and New Zealand at the FISU World University Golf Championships. It is fantastic to see our student-athletes given opportunities like this to compete on the world stage while continuing their studies” says Conor O’Fee, Sports and Clubs Manager.

As the team prepares to depart, they carry the backing of a community that has rallied around their ambitions and pride in the university, region and country they will represent.

“I'm particularly proud that these two young women are representing Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington Golf and New Zealand on the international stage,” says Glenda.

“We're looking forward to seeing them embrace the challenge, represent themselves proudly and enjoy every minute of the experience!”.

END

Follow the team: The 2026 FISU World University Championship Golf takes place at Bangkok Golf Club, Thailand, from 10–13 November. Visit the official championship website for event information, and tune in to UTSNZ’s social media channels, where we’ll share results and updates throughout the championships.