The Sports Awards Dinner celebrates the successes of our Sporting Clubs, administrators and athletes in 2023, below you will find the top achievements for all our finalists. All are worthy winners in their own right. Winners for all categories will be announced at the annual dinner on Wednesday 3 April, 2024.
- Lunchtime Learn to Play Volleyball
– Into it’s second year of SSAF funding offering free coaching to any student on campus
– Held weekly on campus with over 150 students participating in a social environment
– Helped develop the fundamental skills to new players in a globally popular sport
- Lunchtime Social Soccer Competition
– An engaging 4 week social competition held on campus particular to enhance the student experience of international students by engaging them in a global sport
– The competition brought together students from many walks of life to enjoy exercise in an enjoyable and social environment
– More than 90 students participated which has lead to increased participation in the Soccer All-Age Competitions and the lunchtime social sport competitions
- Ben Warnock (Baseball)
– Made an investment in a pitching machine worth $6k
– Encouraged player recruitment, including internationals
– Serviced the club for 15 years as committee member/board member
- Brian Cho (Volleyball)
– Founded the SSAF funded Lunchtime Learn to Play program that has been extremely successful
– Advanced and encouraged club participation and overall growth.
– President for 6 consecutive years - Jim Beard (Australian National Football)
– Built a one Club approach, with strong relationships across all 11 teams within the Club
– Served as club president for 2 consecutive years
– Integral in implementing and maintaining the morale of the entire club - John Cowling (Squash)
– Rebuilt membership after a loss due to COVID from 37 to 90 members
– Built inclusiveness and culture in the club atmosphere where all are welcome
– Has run the social squash sessions for the past 5 years
- Miller Argent (Rowing)
– Demonstrated high level of commitment and initiative at the Club
– Played an integral role in the Club’s incorporation as Treasurer
– Created the SUBC future fund which aims to reduce the barrier of entry for elite athletes by alleviating the financial burden associated with rowing
- Amy Shepherd (Soccer)
– Worked with the Women’s all age coordinator to bring the NPL and all ages closer together and connecting the Club
– Oversaw negotiation with TeamApp so that the Club can use one communication platform
– When the cost of living hit an all time high, provided additional payment plan options to families to keep them in the game - Daniela Paskiewicz (Australian National Football)
– Excels in managing a diverse array of operational and strategic responsibilities
– Provided exceptional leadership and managerial skills that have been integral to the development of the club
– Key contributor to the Club’s esteemed reputation, success and resilience
- Nick Ryan (Rugby Union)
– Diverges his time to work across 2-3 colts teams and 3-4 grade teams as well as village clubs to develop pathways
– Has added key development ideas to the SUFC program to make it world leading
– Created positive relationships with coaches, volunteers and players, to develop people onto bigger and better opportunities
- Adam Kennedy (Tennis)
– Coached the UniNationals Men’s Division 1 Team to a Gold Medal in 2023
– Individual coaching achievements of those on the Tennis Program include Alexandra Bozovic and Paul Howe reaching career high rankings and Charlie Pade achieved his first ATP ranking
– Greatly supported academically focused EAP athletes continue their tennis - Alfie Young (Rowing)
– Women’s Head Coach at Sydney Uni Boat Club with 30 years elite coaching experience
– Led the team to National Championships – 8 Gold, 4 Silver, 2 Bronze. 2023 NSW Championships – 2 Gold, 3 Silver, 5 Bronze
– Claimed Gold in the Australian Boat Race and UniSport Nationals
– Of his 30 athletes, 10 gained National representation in either U19, U21, U23 World Championships, one winning gold in the U23 Women’s Coxed Four - Jonathan O’Hara (Soccer)
– Coached U14 Girls Youth team to an undefeated season in the FNSW NPL, winning the Premiership and Championship titles
– Served as Club’s Sponsorships Officer, Jonathan revamped materials and boosted sponsorship revenue
– Jonathan’s coaching and sponsorship contributions showcase his impactful role on and off the field for the Club
- Murray Creed (Cricket)
– Coached 1st Grade to Grand Finals in all formats: T20, Limited Overs, and 2-Day Belvidere Cup
– Attended all club events, providing support as needed, demonstrating dedication
– Played a pivotal role on the field and contributed off-field, supporting the club’s overall success and community engagement
- Scott Barker (Hockey)
– Coached 1st Grade women’s team to the Metro League 1 Grand Final with a 6-game winning streak despite early setbacks
– Despite underdog status, Scott’s tactics and motivation took his team to a fiercely contested Grand Final, ending in a narrow loss
– Scott’s role extends beyond coaching, including Junior Development, mentoring, club strategy, sponsorship, and active participation in social events
- Scott Nicholson (Water Polo)
– Senior Women’s Coach, overseeing the U16’s, U18’s, and Senior players. The senior women’s team were crowned Australian Water Polo League Champions
– Led the Sydney Uni Women’s team to a bronze medal at the FISU World University Games, representing the Australian UniRoo
– 4 Australian Stingers have all benefited from Scott’s coaching expertise throughout the year - Tom Laurich (Rowing)
– Senior Men’s and Women’s Coach, 15 years coaching experience
– Lead the team to National Championships with 4 Gold, 1 Bronze. NSW State Championships, Gold in the Lightweight Women’s Single Scull
– Two of Tom’s athletes selected on Australian representative teams
- Athletics
– UniSport Nationals, Overall Champions – Women 1st, Men 2nd
– Athletics NSW Winter Premiership Men’s Open Champions, Women’s Runners Up
– Athletics NSW Championship Club of the Year
– 70 athletes qualified to compete at the National Championships, the most for any club.
– 8 National Open Champions, 3 National Junior Champions - Australian National Football
– Fielded 11 teams, with 7 reaching finals and all 4 Premier teams qualifying
– U19’s Div 1 had consecutive undefeated seasons in 2022 and 2023, while Division 2 reached the Grand Final
– Has over 400 members and hosted events like Wear it Purple fundraising, Supporters’ Day, Indigenous Round, Past Players Day, and inaugural Supporters Luncheon and Awards Night
- Cricket
– 1st Grade reached Grand Finals in all formats: Kingsgrove T20, Limited Overs Cup, and The Belvidere Cup (2-day cricket)
– Received Cricket NSW Premier Cricket honours, including Jack Hill named 2nd Grade Captain of the Year and Devlin Malone’s selection in the Cricket NSW Merit XI for most 1st Grade wickets
– Hosted various events: T20 Family Day, Sponsors Christmas Party, Trivia Evening, Annual Awards Dinner and the popular Annual Golf Challenge - Rugby Union
– 2nd Grade Premiers with 1st Colts and the Women reaching Grand Finals
– Significant growth in the women’s game with over 70 registered females playing across XVs, 7s and 10s formats of the game. Over 50% of which were involved in professional rugby programs across the country
– Men’s and Women’s teams represented the University of Sydney at UniSport Nationals in the 7s format, and 35 players travelled to France to compete in the World University Rugby Invitational Tournament - Water Polo
– Australian Water Polo League National Club Champions, Women’s Champions and Men’s runners up
– Women’s team claimed Bronze representing the UniRoos at the World University Games
– 6 Summer Premierships incl. M1, M2 at the WP NSW
– Silver medals in both men’s and women’s UniSport Nationals
– 1st in U22 and U18 Men, 2nd in U22 and U18 Women at the NSW State Age
– Historic merger of Men’s and Women’s Clubs
- Alice Arnott (Hockey)
– Made her Australian Hockeyroo debut against India, scoring her first international goal in the 4-2 win
– Won a Gold medal in the HockeyOne (Australian Hockey League) with the NSW Pride team
– Played in the Netherlands top hockey league (hoofdklasse) for Klein Zwitserland
- Emily Sheppard (Rowing)
– Gold in the U23 Women’s Coxed Four at the World Rowing Championships
– Gold in the U23 Women’s Four, Gold in the U23 Women’s Eight, Silver in the NSW Interstate Eight, Silver in the U23 Women’s Quad, Bronze in the U23 Women’s Pair at the Australian Rowing Championships
– Gold at UniSport Nationals in the Women’s Pair, Eight, Mixed Eight
– Winner of the Australian Boat Race - Evie Haseldine (Sailing)
– Australian Sailing Team member, sailing with Sydney University alumna Olivia Price, the pair have qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the women’s skiff, 49erFX
– Won bronze medal at the World Sailing Championships in The Netherlands, achieving history as the first Australian 49erFX team to win a medal at a World Championships
– Awarded a University Blue and named Female Blue of the Year in 2023 - Mackenzie Little (Athletics)
– Gold at UniSport Nationals
– Bronze at the Athletics World Championships and World Athletics Diamond League along with a PB 65.70m
– Ranked 2nd in the World at the end of 2023 by World AthleticsRae Anderson (Soccer)
– 10 caps for the ParaMatildas, contributed to her championship win in the IFCPF Asia Oceania Championships and toured Japan with the team
– Has competed in 3 sports internationally, earning a Silver Medal at the World Cup and participating in 2 Paralympic Games, 2 World Championships, and a Commonwealth Games
– Supports young athletes with disabilities through Disability Sports Australia, is an ambassador for the Cerebral Palsy Sporting and Recreation Association
- Savannah Henshaw (Water Polo)
– Bronze in the Australian UniRoos Water Polo Team at the FISU World University Games
– Played in 18 Australian Water Polo League games winning the overall League Championships
– Second place in the Sydney Super League, Col Smee U22’s State Championships - Tara Rigney (Rowing)
– Bronze in the Single Scull at the World Rowing Championships, Silver at the World Cup 2 and 3, beating NZ Olympic Gold Medallist
– Winner of the Gina Rinehart AO Rowing Leadership Award
– Gold in the Single Scull and Double Scull at the Australian Rowing Championships and Gold in the Interstate Regatta winning the Nell Slatter Trophy in the Single Scull for NSW - Taren King (Soccer)
– Became the first women’s Captain for Central Coast Mariners FC after a stellar 2023 season at Sydney Uni
– Mentors young players in the Senior Squad and coaches the Girls SAP team, showcasing the club’s pathways
– Taren’s leadership, on and off the field, underscores her dedication to the club’s triumphs and nurturing young talents, epitomising mentorship and commitment
- Athletics (Women)
– Champions of Div 1
– Scored 144 Points beating second place by 64 points
– Gold in the 4x100m, Javelin, High Jump, 100m, 400m, Triple Jump, Long Jump, 1000m.
– Obtained UniSport Records – Alyssa Lowe, Long Jump 6.36m, Kailyn Joseph, Ambulant Long Jump, 4.05m, Women’s 4x100m 46.02 - Boat
– Winner of Overall Women’s Pointscore, Overall Men’s Pointscore and Overall Combined Pointscore
– Gold in the Women’s Eight, Women’s Pair, Men’s Eight, Men’s Double Scull, Mixed Eight, Mixed Four
– Silver in the Men’s Lightweight Single Scull, Men’s Single Scull, Women’s Four
– Bronze in the Men’s Four, Women’s Double Scull, Men’s Pair, Women’s Lightweight Single Scull
- Hockey (Women)
– Won 6 of 7 games, avenging a group stage loss to UQ with a Grand Final victory
– Moved up a division from their 2022 Div 2 Championship
– Transitioned from Div 2, to win Div 1 Gold showcasing remarkable progress and determination in just one year - Squash
– Crowned 2023 Champions defeating the 2022 champions
– Huge progress from the 5th place finish in 2022 - Touch Football (Women)
– Claimed Gold at 2023 UniSport Nationals, first win since 2015
– Undefeated in 10 tournament games, with a tries record of 108 for and 24 against
– Resulted in a first ever University Blue for Touch Football, Rachel Jeffs
- Ultimate Frisbee
– Secured the UniSport Nationals title, with an undefeated tournament
– Raised $1,431.10 through a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Stall, promoting Ultimate Frisbee and creating sponsorship materials for Red Bull and Ajitas Vege Chips during trainings to fund the trip
– Organised and participated in three scrimmages, maintaining over 80% training attendance, fostering a supportive environment for rookies
- 3×3 Basketball (Men)
– Claimed Gold at the 2023 UniSport Nationals
– Triumphed in the Oceania Qualifier, securing a spot in the 2023 FISU University World Cup
– Despite setbacks, they finished as runners-up in the FISU World Cup held in Doha
- Chaye Hartwell (Cricket)
– Integral part of the merger between the University Cricket Clubs
– 2.5 years of service as a committee member/board member
– Current director of the Cricket Club - Claudia Choi (Taekwondo)
– Elevated Taekwondo to new levels in State, National and International competitions
– Kick started the growth of the club after a plummet it took after COVID-19
– Pulled together a strong coaching staff - Emily Skipper (Cheerleading)
– Took the Lions Gold team to win State Championships
– Oversaw the integration of a dance team into the Sydney Uni Cheerleading Club
– Serviced the Cheerleading club as president for the past 2 years - Sara Al-Shameri (Soccer)
– NPL Senior women’s Manger
– Has increased the Club’s social media presence significantly during her tenure
– Key assistance on FISU World Cup China Tour
- Antonia Maher (Cheerleading)
– Coached three teams throughout the year
– Advocates for a positive, energetic and uplifting culture and supports the Club and all its athletes by providing a supportive and comfortable environment
– Antonia’s continual guidance and support has resulted in great successes for the teams with Lions Blue and Gold both winning State and National level competitions
- Caitlin Hargraves (Gymnastics)
– Aerial Acrobatic Teacher, 3 years coaching and 15 years in competition
– Designed and executed a Workshop Series Program to enable club members to trial teaching under SUG Coach supervision
– Club Vice President, collaborative support for 2023 Welcome Week Performance Team and Open Gymnastics Workshop
– Toured in Circus Rio’s 2023 as an aerial acrobat - Immanuel Green (Gymnastics)
– Gymnastics NSW Accredited Coach with 4 years coaching
– Driving force behind the Sydney Uni Gymnastics club providing quality teaching to over 40 individuals, twice weekly
– Class intake expanded and has implemented new coaching regimes to improve skill acquisition and minimise risk
– Awarded a University Gold for services to Gymnastics
- Oscar Gibbins (Australian National Football)
– Took every Sydney Uni team he coached to a Grand Final
– Despite a tough loss last year, Oscar’s coaching remains strong with 14 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss
– Oscar’s coaching strategy includes fostering player interaction across different grades, focusing on development while achieving competitive results
- Robert Giallombardo (Baseball)
– Led the 2nd Grade team to win the minor premiership and the grand final in the Sydney Winter Baseball League
– Rob takes on additional leadership roles by preparing the club for home games, sourcing cost-effective canteen stock, and identifying equipment leads
– Has won 3 premierships since 2018
- Ryan Burge (Rugby Union)
– Coached 2nd Grade to Premiership in a year when no other Sydney Uni rugby team won silverware
– Worked tirelessly with players to develop their skills to be ready for 1st Grade, in particular Colts (u20s) players who were playing up the grades
– Involved with the Club since 2007, dedicates hours of his time to coaching a team that trains 3 times a week for 9 months of the year - Tim Spehr (Australian National Football)
– Head Coach U19s teams
– Div 1 team went undefeated, winning back-to-back Premierships, while Div 2 reached the Grand Final
– Tim’s commitment extends to supporting club operations by organising setup and pack-up during home games, assisting with paperwork, and staying late at Oval 1
- Baseball
– 2nd Grade team won and 3rd Grade were runners-up in the 2023 Sydney Winter Baseball League
– Coach, Mitch Liddle was integral to managing player loads well, while encouraging more student participation
– The club raised $1,000 for charity at Community Day, supporting Coach Lee Harty’s family
- Cheerleading
– The Lions Gold team performed to their highest at State Championships and were rewarded with a 1st place in the State Championships and gold in DCE Nationals and Second in Spring Carnival and Lions Blue team a historic top 5 in the National Championships as well as placing Second in the State Championships and First in Spring Carnival and DCE Nationals
– The Club’s debut competitive dance teams also brought home multiple gold medals in the State and National Championships, as well as taking home University Grand Champions in States
– Beyond competitions, the club led fundraising efforts and supported various events and marathons including sideline cheer for other Sydney Uni Sporting clubs and community events - Netball
– 10 of 12 Inner West Netball Association teams made finals, 6 winning, including the inaugural Mixed 1, Mixed 2, and Men’s comps
– The Varsity team remained undefeated in the UNE Tri-Series and secured 2nd in Mixed at UniSport Nationals
– The Club grew from 5 teams and 56 members in 2022 to 12 teams and 107 registrations in 2023, introducing Mixed and Men’s teams.
- Squash
– Significant increase in members, particular focus on female players
– Triumphed in tournaments like the Alkhub Cup, district pennants and the UniSport Nationals
– Prioritised facility maintenance, coaching programs, and fostering inclusivity through volunteer efforts
- Angus Bell (Rugby Union)
– Angus showcased his talent on the world stage by participating in the Rugby World Cup, playing for the famous Barbarians as well as representing his state with the NSW Waratahs during 2023
– A standout performer for the Wallabies earning a nomination for the prestigious John Eales Medal, awarded to the Australian Male Player of the Year
– Angus serves as a significant role model and advocate for the children’s disability organisation ‘Whatability’ as well as working part time and pursing his studies at Sydney University, all while being a fulltime professional athlete - Loui Schuler (Water Polo)
– 22 Games for Sydney Uni in the Australian Water Polo League finishing 2nd overall
– 10 games for Syd Uni 1st Grade in the NSW Metro 1st Division, Awarded MVP for the Col Smee WPSNSW
– Silver at UniSport Nationals
– Named Male Blue of the Year - Rohan Browning (Athletics)
– Gold in the 100m at the Australian National Championships
– 4th in the Semi Final at the Athletics World Championships
– Finalist at the Tokyo Olympics, 3x World Championships, 2x Commonwealth Games
