There was plenty to celebrate at this year’s Sports Awards, as St David’s College recognised a year of progress, standout performances, and major achievements across our sports teams.
Several sides made real strides over the past year, with the Girls’ Basketball team showing huge improvement. The College also marked a landmark year with the return of the rugby team after more than a decade away.
The Men’s Basketball team delivered the highlight of the year, winning the Welsh Schools Championship.
Netball enjoyed a challenging but ultimately strong season overall.
Georgia Palmer earned the Most Improved Player award after an excellent year of development. Selina Hafiz-Echeveste received the Coach’s Award in recognition of her commitment, work rate, and influence on the squad. The team voted Rhiannon Howells as Players’ Player of the Year.
Esports made a major impact in its first year as a College sport.
The Minecraft team reached the finals of the Wales Esports competition at the Principality Stadium—an impressive achievement so early on. Teammates voted Ethan Ross-Smith as Minecraft GOAT.
Mostyn Gregory won the Rocket League GOAT award, with his ability and dedication proving key throughout the year.
The League of Legends team reached the National Final of the British Open Championships. His fellow players voted Roman Hubbarde as GOAT.
The Overwatch team recognised both Wes Hunt and Stefan Lukawiecki with GOAT awards for their sharp reactions and accuracy.
Joe Ryan earned the GOAT award for the St David’s College Uprising Esports team after playing a key role behind the scenes, from organisation to helping others get to grips with the technology.
Football delivered a season of strong performances and individual recognition across both squads.
In the Tier 2 team, Ostyn Corcoran-Scott earned Players’ Player of the Year after a year of real development. Yousef Al Salihi secured Player of the Year after playing a key role throughout the season.
In the Tier 1 team, Omae Touray earned Players’ Player of the Year. Elliot Aherne won Player of the Year for his consistent performances, while Cian Presdee received the Vanguard Award for his contribution and impact on the team.
Basketball delivered strong performances across all squads.
For the Girls’ team, Reyna Alejo won Most Improved Player, reflecting her commitment and development. Hannah Lewis earned Best Defensive Player for her ability to read the game and shut down attacks, while Cybil Usialele won Most Valuable Player.
In the Boys’ 2nd team, Felix Ford won Most Improved Player. Ana Mandizha earned Defensive Player, and Macprince Nduka took Most Valuable Player.
For the Boys’ 1st team, Lassana Sumare earned Most Improved Player. Isaiah Gomes Balde won Best Defensive Player, and Michael Wells took Most Valuable Player.
In addition to those who shone for our clubs, we are also incredibly proud of the number of students representing Wales on the international stage.
One such student is Keira O’Keefe, one of the country’s most exciting young footballers, who has already captained the Wales U17s and now plays for the U19s.
Also flying the flag for Wales in a big way is Amy Partridge. The St David’s student has already worn the captain’s armband for the U16s in Hockey and, in December, travelled to the U21s World Cup in Santiago, Chile. Joe Malfatti has also had a great year, joining the Cardiff Fire and representing Wales and England.
It’s also been an academic year to remember for Lower Sixth student Isaiah Gomes Balde, who earned his first Welsh athletics vest in December. Isaiah represented Welsh Schools at the Schools’ Indoor Combined Events International, held at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow. He competed in five disciplines: 60m hurdles, long jump, 200m, shot put, and 800m.
Isaiah has also represented the Wales U23 Basketball team, alongside fellow St David’s students Lassana Sumare and James Grant. Michael Wells has also impressed at the national level, playing for the U17 side.
It’s shaping up to be a Cross Country season to remember for Harry and Alfie Osbourne, Gryff Thomas, Maks Figurski and Jacob Robbins, who were selected to represent Welsh Colleges at the British Colleges Championships in Nottingham.
Esme Griffiths has followed up her spectacular efforts last season with another year of brilliant performances for the Welsh Water Polo team.
It has also been a great 12 months for Wiktoria Barczewska, who continues to impress for Rhythmic Gymnastics Wales, and Mollie Dacey, who has been incredible for Triathlon Wales.
