Your Sports Awards 2025 wrapped
Students, staff, and coaches from across UoB Sport came together for a fantastic evening of celebration and recognition at the Sports Awards 2025!
Kicking off the night was Andy Allford, Director of Sport, with hosting duties taken up by Amy Preston, Club Development Manager and Lara Parker, Sports Officer.
With 14 award categories this year, the night was packed with achievements from our athletes, clubs, and coaches.
Keep reading to find out who took home the trophies!
SPORTS COLOURS
Sport Colours are non-performance-based and awarded to individuals based on a member’s contribution beyond their established role, going over and above for their club or for sport across the University.
Presented by TV and radion broadcaster, Simon Brotherton.
Well done to:
Lamya Majeed (Archery), Alex Kendrew (Archery), Emily Powndrell (Hockey), Jack Abis (Handball), Hannah Diamond (Netball), Adrian Ting (Swimming), Zsofia Keresztes (Karate / Fencing), Lois Conway (Women’s Rugby Union), Matt Harris-Pernet (Trampolining)
We then moved on announce our individual and team awards….
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
This Award recognises individuals who have committed themselves to a cause, activity, or event for the greater good of their club, University, or wider community.
Presented by Director of Student Affairs, Jon Elsmore.
The winner of the award is… Tom Pope!
Tom has made a wide-reaching impact across UoB Tennis, playing a key role in the club’s growth while also supporting the wider community. His innovative introduction of YouTube live streams for the 2024/2025 season brought a fresh and engaging way to matches and events. In recognition of his dedication and forward-thinking contributions, Tom was deservedly named Volunteer of the Year.
CAMPUS LEAGUE TEAM OF THE YEAR
The Campus League Team of the Year award aims to recognise and celebrate the teams that best embody the Campus League ethos of participation, good sportsmanship and enjoyment of the game.
Presented by Participation Development Officer, Sophie Mallinson.
Econ Hockey were crowned the winners.
Econ Hockey have been nominated for Campus League Team of the Year thanks to their inclusive spirit, team dedication, and standout performance. Welcoming players of all abilities from complete beginners to experienced athletes. Their unity and encouragement saw them finish top of the league in both Term 1 and Term 2. Off the pitch, they’ve built strong friendships through regular socials, including sober events and even a trip to Lisbon. With a focus on fun, fairness, and improvement, Econ Hockey truly embody what Campus League is about.
REGIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR
The Regional Team of the Year award aims to celebrate the achievements of some of our stand-out University teams that compete on a regional level within BUCS.
Presented by University of Birmingham alumnus, Simon Dighton.
Congratulations to Fencing Men’s 1 after being crowned BUCS Midlands Tier 2 Winners whilst going unbeaten in the league. They have also won the BUCS Midlands Conference Cup for the last two years.
Their consistency and commitment throughout the season have been exceptional, with strong performances across both league and cup fixtures. The team’s unbeaten league run reflects not just technical skill but also impressive teamwork and resilience – qualities that have made them one of the standout squads in this year’s programme.
CLUB OF THE YEAR
This award is based on the overall success of a club across a number of areas. This can include – but is not limited to – committee and/or performance achievements, developments and innovation within the club, member engagement and connection with the wider sporting community both in- and external to the university.
Presented by director of Campus Services, Simon Bray.
The Tennis Club has seen a standout year of growth, success, and innovation. Membership surged by 69% to a record-breaking 644 members, thanks to inclusive weekly coaching, matchplay opportunities, and the introduction of a new social membership. This season marked the highest BUCS win rate in club history, with a 74% overall success rate, a 91.5% increase in BUCS points, and a nine-place climb in national rankings. Four out of nine teams were promoted, and seven finished in the top two of their leagues, with a fifth men’s team launched to support the club’s expansion. Partnerships with Edgbaston Priory and Billesley Tennis Centres improved indoor training access, while performance analysis using GoPro footage raised playing standards across all levels. Off the court, the club made a real impact: monthly competitions welcomed over 60 players, and a 24-hour charity tennis event, livestreamed on YouTube, reached over 1,000 viewers per stream. The DYUCE ball recycling scheme set a strong precedent for sustainability, while the Tennis 2000 Project, backed by alumni funding, began work to bring tennis into underrepresented communities. With its thriving WhatsApp community and strong social spirit, the club has built something truly special both on and off the court.
GRADUATIONG SCHOLARS
As the academic year concludes, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our graduating scholars, whose dedication to both their studies and sports has left an indelible mark on the University of Birmingham.
Presented by Head of Student Sport, Luke Gunn.
Throughout their time at the University, they have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Elite Dual Career Athlete Pathway (EDCAP), not only pursuing their ambitions in sport and academia, but also acting as role models for the next generation of student-athletes. Their discipline, resilience and professionalism have contributed to the success of the programme and left a lasting legacy within the University of Birmingham sporting community.
We thank them for their outstanding contributions and wish them continued success in all that lies ahead.
PLACEMENT STUDENT OF THE YEAR
The Placement Student of the Year award celebrates a student who has made an outstanding contribution during their placement, demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and a positive impact within the University of Birmingham sports environment. This is a brand new category for Sports Awards.
Presented by Director of Education for CAL, Elaine Fulton.
Congratulations to Tyler Billyard on winning Placement Student of the Year, with a special mention to Sammy Pratt for his outstanding contributions.
Tyler’s work on the Strength and Conditioning programme significantly improved swimmers’ physical performance, while also exploring its mental impact. His insights have helped the team prepare more effectively for future challenges, making a real difference to both the physical and psychological development of our athletes.
HALF BLUES
Half blues are awarded to those who have achieved either a BUCS individual medal or a BUCS Team Championship gold medal during the 2024-25 academic year.
Presented by Sport Hall of Fame inductee, Hannah England.
Well done to Oliver Hunter (Squash), Ioan Sharpe (Squash), Jess Bailey (Athletics), David Stone (Athletics), Eleanor Stevens (Athletics), Quinn Miell-Ingram (Athletics), Kate Willis (Athletics), Casper Lea (Hockey), Amelie Russell (Fencing), Maisie Everett (Fencing), Becky Stacey (Archery), Zsofia Keresztes (Karate), Adam Prock (Karate).
FULL BLUES
Full Blues are awarded to those individuals that have competed internationally at a senior championships. This is the highest individual accolade for performance sport that is given out at Sports Awards.
This category was presented by former Director of Sport at University of Birmingham and current President of World Squash, Zena Wooldridge.
Well done to our award winners:
Alice Atkinson (Hockey), Hannah Pearce (Hockey), Kathryn Mole (Rowing), Lottie Bingham (Hockey), Megan Costall (Archery), Poppy Tank (Athletics), Sanjay Jeeva (Squash).
STUDENT COACH OF THE YEAR
This award aims to recognise current students who are regarded as having made the most outstanding contribution to club sport through their role as a coach, working closely with their club committee to direct the development of the club and support members’ personal and performance development.
Presented by Professor of Casting Technology, Paul Withey – who created the trophies for this year’s Sports Awards.
Congratulations to Jess Baron (Lifesaving) on winning this award. As Training Officer, Jess has transformed the club’s training culture, introducing structured sessions, a new team selection policy, and post-competition debriefs. Her leadership has led to 10 SERC wins out of 12, including both events at Nationals, and historic success in the BULSCA 2024/25 league. Her commitment and innovation have been key to the club’s outstanding season.
COACH OF THE YEAR
The Coach of the Year award is for an individual who is regarded as having made the most outstanding contribution to club sport through their role as a coach.
Presented by Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Colette Thomson.
Congratulations to our joint winners Jon Tate (Squash) and Gary Humpage (Swimming).
Jon has had an outstanding year, coaching five teams to league wins and leading both Men’s and Women’s 1s to National Championship titles. He supports every BUCS team, helps run the club, and is always there for his players, earning him Joint Coach of the Year. Gary’s impact has also been exceptional, coaching all teams to a top-five university ranking and supporting Ollie Morgan on his journey to the Paris 2025 Olympics. His dedication and expertise have rightly earned him Joint Coach of the Year alongside Jon at this year’s Sports Awards.
EDI AWARD
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises individuals, clubs or initiatives that have gone above and beyond to create a welcoming, accessible and inclusive environment for everyone within the University of Birmingham sporting community. Sports Awards is the perfect event to highlight these achievements.
Presented by Assistant Director of Student Affairs, Sammy Li.
Congratulations to Joe Carnelley from Athletics for winning this year’s award. Joe led many impactful campaigns such as Project Red S, Pride photo shoot, workshop on menstrual health, ‘PART OF PRIDE’, Black History Month and World Mental Health Day.
His work has fostered a more inclusive and informed environment within the club, raising awareness of key issues and encouraging open conversations around health, identity, and wellbeing in sport.
NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR
The National Team of the Year award aims to recognise and highlight the stand-out successes of a select number of our University teams that compete on a national level within BUCS.
Presented by Head of Sport Development, Chris Anthony.
Well done to Squash M1 for winning this award. They have enjoyed an outstanding season, earning them the title of BUCS National Team of the Year. Dominating the competition, they were crowned BUCS Premier League Champions and went on to win the BUCS National Championship, showcasing their strength and consistency at the highest level. Their success extended to the individual stage, with team members securing 1st, 2nd, and 4th place finishes at the BUCS Individual Championships. This incredible set of achievements reflects the team’s dedication, depth of talent, and relentless drive to perform, making them deserving winners of this prestigious award.
SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR
This is the highest individual accolade awarded by the University of Birmingham at Sports Awards, in recognition and celebration of the very highest sporting level.
Presented by Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, Deborah Longworth.
The nominees for this prestigious award were:
GB Swimmer Ollie Morgan has had a phenomenal year, winning three BUCS Long Course golds, breaking two BUCS records, adding a BUCS Short Course gold, and finishing 4th in the Paris Olympic relay final.
Hannah Pearce made a remarkable comeback from a 2023 ACL injury to earn her 49th cap and represent South Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympics in hockey.
Jess Bailey has delivered a phenomenal season, breaking the U20 British road 5K record and winning BUCS individual gold on her debut. She claimed European U20 silver and team gold, placed 4th at the British Indoor Championships, and now ranks second all-time in the UK and fifth in Europe for U20 5000m.
Lottie Bingham earned her first senior caps in the FIH Pro League against China and Belgium in December 2024, was selected again for the India tour, and will turn professional in May 2025.
Will Barnicoat made history by winning a third consecutive European Cross Country title, led GB to team gold, and clocked 13:29 for 5K ranking above Mo Farah on the UK all-time list.
And the winner is… Ollie Morgan as he secures the SportsPerson of the Year title for the second year in a row!
Event photo credits: Mark Assinder
