Sports Careers Celebrated at the Annual Sports Dinner

The annual Sports Dinner took place this week to celebrate the sporting careers and achievements of our senior sportsmen and sportswomen.

Guest of honour was OE, Sammy Sullivan, previously part of the British Canoeing Podium Potential Programme, before an injury saw Sammy switch to Dragon Boat racing, where she has just been selected for the 2024 GB squad.

Many congratulations to this year’s nominees and recipients of the much-coveted awards. 

Sportswoman of the Year – Dotty Hodge

Dotty has made her impact across all areas of KES sport, whether it be 1st team hockey, 2nd team netball, the odd appearance in 1st team cricket or as part of the Aegon tennis league. She has displayed so many qualities that a coach looks for: Commitment, discipline, calmness under pressure, the ability to take on board instruction and transfer it to the sports field.

Dotty has been a leading player in the successful 1st XI hockey squad for the past three years and was a central part of one the School’s most successful teams in recent years, when as a Year 9 she helped the U14 squad finish as the National runners-up. A pleasure to coach and an inspiration to younger players in the School, Dotty is also a central player in the netball 2nd team squad. 

Sportswoman Personality of the Year Award – Izzy Reid 

Izzy has been a consistently impressive figure throughout her sporting career at KES. Her athleticism, pace and creativity make her an integral player within any team, whether it be hockey, netball or tennis. Her eye for goal has been a vital quality in all the hockey teams she has been a part of, including the U14 National runners-up in 2020 and the 1st XI Sherborne Tournament this year. Izzy always appears calm and unflustered, but beneath the composed exterior, there is a determination and tenacity which are superb qualities. Within 2nd team netball Izzy is a dynamic and creative player who has great vision with the ball. Izzy has grown in confidence and will be leaving KES netball having made a positive impact on the programme both on and off the court.

Sportsman of the Year   - Joint Winners, Ben Maclean and Henry Jones

Ben has been a hugely committed hockey player throughout his time at KES and over the last three years has been a key member of a highly successful squad. It would be true to say that in that period, he has been the one constant figure in the 1st XI, hardly ever missing a training session or match. In 2023, he was a central figure in brilliant cups runs, where the 1st team were a penalty shuffle away from reaching the National Finals in both indoor and outdoor competitions.  The consistency of Ben’s performances over such a long period has been a great example to both teammates and players in younger years. Ben has also achieved success in the GB Hockey pathway, with eye catching performances at the Performance Centre Cup and Talent Academy Festival in recent seasons. Ben is certainly a young sportsman who will be sorely missed in the years to come.

Henry’s commitment, leadership as captain, physicality, fitness and particularly his ball carrying were the building block and catalyst for the success of the 1st XV rugby team this year. The toughest fixtures of the season have all seen Henry put in standout performances. He embodies the very best traits of a KES pupil, on and off the rugby field, and he consistently demonstrates the values KES strives to instil in all its students. Henry’s accolades this season have been impressive including being captain, voted by his fellow peers as their 1st XV player of the season and earning the prestigious Sedbergh legend tie. He was simply outstanding at Sedbergh. In front of the live streaming cameras, he was one of the most destructive ball carriers at the tournament.

Sportsman Personality of the Year Award – Harry Newman

Harry’s development within rugby and hockey has been excellent. This is due to exhibiting everything we want from our pupils – commitment and coachability. He was a vital part of the success in the 15- a-side game, but it was his displays at Sedbergh that live in the memory.  He was phenomenal, even catching the attention of the Bath Academy coaches who were watching on the live stream. Harry’s hard work on the hockey pitch was rewarded with a deserved place in the 1st XI this year. A powerful athlete, he has looked equally at home in defence and attack, as well as making important contributions to the increasing spirit within the squad. Harry has been a joy to coach, and it has been a pleasure to see the progress he has made over the years.

The Lang Jones Award is presented to an individual that Lang Jones, a former teacher at KES, would have loved to have worked with, and is for sporting spirit. The recipient of this award will have shown great endeavour, commitment, and loyalty across sports. The joint winners this year are Megan Pike and Jonty Manners Bell.

Recognition of Sporting Excellence - Amber Tiley

This award is designed to reflect the development, expertise, and progression of a pupil in a chosen sport. The recipient of the award this year is Amber Tiley.  Amber joined KES in Year 12 and quickly made a very positive impact on KES netball. Her athleticism, speed and dynamic play have been integral to the team's success. Outside of KES, Amber is part of the Team Bath futures pathway playing for the U19s.

Sporting Excellence Award - Nina Lewis

The criteria for selection in this category is that a pupil has represented their country at international level whilst at KES. Last year Nina Lewis was part of the U17 GB Sabre squad, competing in four internationals in Germany, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. In November Nina gained U20 GB selection - a significant achievement. Due to her A Levels this year Nina has had to take a temporary step back, competing only in Regional competitions. Nina is taking a gap year, but has already been invited to the Leon Paul Project for a fencing development programme, with a long term focus on the Olympics.