Girton celebrates student sporting success across College and University sport

Girton College has celebrated an outstanding year of student sporting achievement, recognising success across College teams, University sport, and national and international competition.

Students were recognised at the College’s annual Sports Awards reception, which brought together award holders, College captains and University-level competitors to celebrate the breadth and strength of sport at Girton and Cambridge.

It has been a particularly successful year for Girton sport. The rugby team, joined with Pembroke, Churchill and Lucy Cavendish, won Cuppers for the first time in many years, overcoming a much-fancied Trinity/Christ’s side. Girton’s second football team also won their cup competition, while the first team finished a close second in Division 1.

There were further strong performances from Girton’s cricketers, who reached finals day at Fenner’s Cricket Ground for the first time in a decade before narrowly losing in the semi-final to the eventual winners. The basketball team were also runners-up in Cuppers after a closely contested final.

Girton students have also made a significant contribution to University sport, both in competition and in leadership roles. This year, Girtonians captained Cambridge University teams in women’s hockey, netball and cheerleading, while two students were nominated for the University Sports “Unsung Hero” Award.

Named Sports Awards recognise exceptional achievement

Eight students received Named Sports Awards in recognition of high-level sporting achievement, leadership, resilience and commitment to sport at Girton and Cambridge.

The Robin Prize was awarded to Matthew Downs and Yemisi Oguntimirin. Matthew has competed at an exceptionally high level in triathlon, combining University representation with international qualification for the Great Britain Age-Group team. His performances this year included a leading finish at BUCS Duathlon, alongside determination in overcoming injury setbacks and returning to competition.

Yemisi was recognised for her leading role in a memorable season for Cambridge cheerleading as Captain of the Blues team. Under her guidance, the team achieved national success and secured a convincing Varsity win against Oxford. Her organisation, enthusiasm and outstanding performances also earned her a Full Blue this year.

^{Photo: (Left) Matthew Downs with Dr Morag Hunter, (Right) Yemisi Oguntimirin receiving award from Dr Elisabeth Kendall}

The Diana Lees-Jones Awards went to Jess O’Flaherty and Bethan Workman. Jess was recognised for her dedication to athletics over many years, culminating in a season in which she achieved Blues standard in the 400m hurdles. She has also taken on the role of Club President, guiding the team through a demanding competitive year while showing perseverance in returning from injury.

Bethan was celebrated for her outstanding commitment to gymnastics, combining competitive participation with her role as Women’s Captain. Even while recovering from serious injury, she remained a constant presence for her teammates and continued to contribute to competition. Her leadership and dedication were also recognised with a University Sports Unsung Hero nomination.

^{Photo: Jess O'Flaherty (Left) and Bethan Workman (Right) receiving award from Dr Elisabeth Kendall}

The Joan McGrath Awards recognised Caragh Haspel, DJ Mentiply and George Clark. As Captain of the Women’s Blues Hockey team, Caragh led from the front in another strong year for the club, helping drive league success and strong national performances against top-level opposition.

DJ has made a sustained contribution to Cambridge tennis as a regular member of the Men’s 1st Team, while also supporting the club through coaching and leadership roles. His selection to represent the Oxbridge team against the All England Lawn Tennis Club reflects both his ability and dedication. He has also remained closely involved in Girton sport, playing for the College’s first and second football teams.

George has been a central figure in a highly successful season for Cambridge University and Girton College football. His contribution included assisting the decisive goal in the Varsity victory, as well as helping secure league success and promotion. Beyond playing, he has demonstrated leadership and creativity as College football captain and as the University club’s Social Media Officer, earning a nomination for the University Sports Unsung Hero Award.

^{Photo: Caragh Haspel (Left) and DJ Mentiply (Right) receiving award from Dr Elisabeth Kendall}

The William and Grace Smith Sports Awards were presented to Alice Coyle and Myles Eckes. Alice was recognised for her commitment to ice hockey, representing Cambridge at Blues level while taking on the demanding role of Varsity Representative. She returned from injury to compete at Varsity and contributed to a team that exceeded expectations nationally. Her wider involvement in Girton sport, including captaining the women’s football team and founding the climbing society, highlights her commitment to helping sport flourish across the College.

Myles was celebrated for his contribution to Cambridge University Rugby League, starting every match this season and playing a central role in a historic Varsity victory over Oxford. He has also contributed significantly off the field as General Secretary, supporting the organisation and running of the club. A committed presence across Girton sport, particularly in rugby and cricket, his all-round dedication made him a fitting recipient of the award.

^{Photo: (Left) George Clark receiving award from Dr Elisabeth Kendall, (Right) Myles Eckes with Dr Morag Hunter}

Girton continues to support students to take part in sport at every level, from recreational activity to elite competition. This year, the College made around 50 Sports Awards totalling more than £10,000, alongside Enrichment Grants that have helped students access equipment, memberships and opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities, including sport.