biography

Biography

Marie Skelton grew up in Canberra, Australia.

She completed eleven years of bilingual studies in French and English at Telopea Park School.

She started her Bachelor of Communications, specialising in journalism, at The University of Canberra in 2000. During her time there, she co-founded the University of Canberra Volleyball Club, and acted as secretary in 2002, then as president in 2003. The club has evolved over the years to become one of the biggest and most successful clubs in Canberra.

In 2003, Marie completed a semester-long study abroad program at George Mason University in Virginia, U.S.A. While studying there, she also represented the university's division 1 women's volleyball team, the Patriots. The team won the conference championships that year.

She also wrote regularly for Broadside, the George Mason student newspaper.

Marie was asked to return to GMU on an athletic scholarship in 2004- 2005. During this time, Marie was named on the Dean's list and also received an outstanding achievement award for German.

Apart from her dedication to languages, Marie is most passionate about writing. During her last semester in America, Marie held two internship positions, with the Corporate Communications department at Gannett and also with the Life section of USA Today. Marie has also completed an internship with the Canberra Times.

Marie is also a dedicated volleyballer. She represented Australia at the Asian Junior Volleyball Championships in Thailand in 1998, and again at the World University Games in China in 2001. She was head coach of the ACT Under 17s women's team in 2001 and 2002. She is currently a starting player for the Canberra Heat women's volleyball team for the Australian Volleyball League.