Stories of Purpose & Joy
Rebecca Del Pup
Rebecca Del Pup: Head of Athletics, Guildford Grammar School
Athletics has been a lifelong teacher to Guildford Grammar School’s Head of Athletics, Rebecca Del Pup. She began her athletics journey as a six-year-old in the goldfields town of Kalgoorlie. Her mum asked if she wanted to give it a go, and she has never looked back.
Bec’s lifelong love of athletics means she brings passion and an unwavering belief in the transformational power of sport to her role as Head of Athletics and Preparatory School Sport Administrator. She instils that same passion in our youngest learners.
Still a competitive sprinter, Bec uses her own experiences, wins, setbacks and challenges, to lead with empathy and insight.
“I still love trying to run fast. It’s fun… but it also keeps me accountable as a coach. The more I learn as an athlete, the more I can offer my students.”
Building a Program That Stands Apart
Bec’s vision for Athletics at Guildford Grammar School is simple: to build a program and culture that students and coaches genuinely want to be part of.
“We’ve expanded our coaching team this year, and the calibre is phenomenal. Half of our coaches have either competed or coached at international level. More than half are coach education facilitators at state or national level. But beyond the accolades, they’re just genuinely great people who care deeply about their work and the students they coach.”
Our students are responding to this approach. With over 70 students from Years 7–12 voluntarily attending morning sessions, often in the cold and dark, it’s clear there’s something special happening on the track.
“All our sessions are optional. The students aren’t turning up because they have to, they’re turning up because they want to get better. That speaks volumes.”
Guildford Grit in Action
Our students have built-in grit. It’s a mindset woven through every early morning session, every moment of discomfort and the determination to keep showing up.
“To me, Guildford Grit means showing up and giving your best, even when the rewards are delayed or the result isn’t guaranteed.”
Bec has witnessed grit come alive in students who choose to train in the rain, push through tough sessions and challenge themselves to be vulnerable in front of peers.
“Athletics is unique… your performance is measured, timed and ranked. That can be confronting. But it also builds courage. It gives students a safe space to fail, to try again and to realise they’re capable of more than they thought.”
More Than Just Sport
Bec’s deeper hope is that students leave their athletics journey with confidence and passion.
“My hope is that they not only become better athletes but more confident people. That they learn the value of effort, self-belief and stepping outside their comfort zone. These are life skills… not just sport skills.”
It’s a message Bec lives out every day as she works hard to create a culture of perseverance and camaraderie.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than watching students grow. Helping them run faster is great… but watching them become braver, more determined and more self-aware? That’s everything.”