2017/2018 26TH ANNUAL SPORTS AWARDS - Perspectives | UWCSEA
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26TH ANNUAL SPORTS AWARDS 2017/2018
Welcome to the 2018 Sports Awards
As with previous years, 2017/2018 has been each other with a positive mindset. In a
one marked by a high degree of dedication similar way, more individualised sports are
and commitment on the part of our athletes a place where students exercise immense
and coaches. The Sports Awards are an self-discipline and strive to engage a growth
opportunity to celebrate the efforts and mindset. All students in our sporting
achievements of all athletes and the UWC programme learn the art of balancing studies
ethos that underpins their resourcefulness with exercise and fitness as they embrace the
and attitude. This year, such dedication and commitment of regular training.
commitment on the part of our students and
Please join me in congratulating all athletes
coaches led to five SEASAC titles overall.
and in thanking our many coaches who go
While most teams are highly competitive, above and beyond to challenge our students
all students are encouraged to participate to be all that they can be.
in a wide range of sports that will set them
Rebecca Butterworth
up for a lifelong health and well-being.
High School Principal
Sporting teams are spaces where students
UWCSEA Dover
learn to collaborate, negotiate and support
fresh faces and new expectations. A new and were SEASAC Champions in five events.
Sports Council led by Vikram Manikantan
UWCSEA is not limited by SEASAC of
set to work promoting and celebrating sport
course and our Hockey, Netball, Cricket and
in a way we have not seen. Vik, his executive
Ultimate players as well as our sailors and
Alessandra David, Nicolas Pizzo, Park Bo
climbers have been active and successful
Hye, Krit Chatikavanij, Jang Jun Hyeok,
in local and Southeast Asian competition.
Tyrel O’Sullivan and Tal Benami and their
Worthy of note are our climbers who
respective sports committees have engaged
travelled to the FOBISIA (Federation of
more sports fans than ever before with
British Schools in Asia) Championships for
wider coverage, unique ideas and a spirit of
their first ever international competition.
collaboration that is only found at UWCSEA.
They returned with great bunch of memories
We thank them for the year and for their
and the silverware to match.
organisation of tonight’s event.
None of the year’s memories and successes
Welcome to the 26th annual UWCSEA Dover The Sports and Activity office welcomed
would be possible without a huge team of
Sports Awards Dinner. 2017/2018 has been four new staff: Luke Diaz (HS Sports
committed people. I would like to extend
a champagne year for High School Sports. Coordinator), Jazreel Tan (19A Touch coach),
my thanks to the dedicated PE teachers
Over 60 High School teams have represented Amir Boucenna (19A boys Basketball coach)
and coaches; our well loved administrative,
the College in all competition and we have and Ahmad Masran (19A girls Softball coach).
transport and catering teams; the ever
celebrated all their commitment, effort and We thank you all for the rousing welcome
busy Sports Coordinators; our ever helpful
achievement in Season ending assemblies you have given them and after a remarkably
grounds support staff; the Student Sports
led by the Student Sports Council. Tonight successful first year we hope they make
Council and; all who support us in the
we will congratulate 30 High School A teams themselves irreplaceable members of the
UWCSEA community.
and are proud to highlight the passion, Phoenix community in years to come.
resolve and spirit which make them Phoenix Finally, Vikram, Luke and myself wish you a
Successful sports results are always the
sports men and women. very enjoyable evening and I hope you come
icing on the cake. The cake itself of course
away with the same sense of wonder as I
being more important and constructed
Students, coaches and the wider community do whenever I am lucky enough to watch
out of solid work on a daily basis, built on
that know us well were all very much aware our Phoenix athletes perform—we have
a foundation of strong UWCSEA values.
that, while Rudy Beck had passed away last something very special here at United World
Our players have embraced the mantra
year, he would have wanted UWCSEA sport to College South East Asia.
that ‘strong habits today will help fulfil our
rebound with renewed energy. And he would
dreams for tomorrow’ and SEASAC results Mike Staples
have been disappointed in us if it didn’t!
have reflected that across the board. Phoenix Director of Activities and Sport
So the year in many ways was about teams medalled in 20 of 24 events attended; UWCSEA Dover
rejuvenation and we started August with reached nine games finals from a possible 14
1
Local competition highlights
It has been an exciting and One of the outstanding features of this developed new, creative ideas and celebrated
eventful year, 2017/2018 was sporting year was the work done by our teams and events continuously throughout
a huge sporting success in Student Sports Council Executive: Vikram the year. Also a big thank you to our
our local competition. Some Manikantan (Chairperson), Alessandra David, Communications Department for supporting
amazing and mind blowing Nicolas Pizzo, Park Bo Hye, Krit Chatikavanij, our programmes and teams.
statistics—all of our Athletic Jang Jun Hyeok, Tyrel O’Sullivan and Tal
We look forward to even bigger and better
Conference of Singapore International Benami. They took charge of their respective
things from everyone in 2018/2019 as we
Schools (ACSIS) A teams competed in roles to reach, engage and be a voice for
continue to grow, improve and excel.
Division 1 and all of them finished in the top more students than ever before. They
three. Out of all the A teams (19) in ACSIS
we had nine championship winning teams Results 2017/2018 (ACSIS Division 1 unless stated)
and seven teams in second place, with the
remaining three finishing third. Sport Girls Boys
Badminton Champions 3rd
UWCSEA offers a wide variety of sports so
despite not being ACSIS sports our Hockey, Basketball 2nd 2nd
Cricket, Climbing and Sailing teams had an Cross Country Champions Champions
amazing year and represented the College Football 3rd Champions
superbly with impressive results throughout Hockey 4th – National Division 1 6th – National Division 2
the year competing in local leagues, national
Netball 2nd –
and international competitions. Highlight
events and leagues in which Phoenix teams Touch/Rugby Champions 2nd
excelled included the National Hockey League, Softball Champions 2nd
Gravical National Climbing Championships, Swimming 2nd 2nd
the National Sailing Championships, the
Tennis Champions Champions
FOBISIA Climbing Championships and the
Cricket tour to Sri Lanka. Volleyball Champions 3rd
SEASAC highlights
2017/2018 has been an weekends of highly competitive sports, filled Council, Facilities and Transport departments
exceptionally successful year with excitement and an amazing atmosphere. for ensuring such terrific sporting events for
in the SEASAC conference. We would like to say a special thank you to our athletes.
All of our SEASAC teams our student helpers, parents, sports support
“The challenge is to improve, to always get
competed in Division 1 and all staff members and teachers who helped to
better, even when you are the best….especially
of our teams, bar one, finished marshall our Cross Country event. Additional
when you are the best.”
in a top four position. Out of thanks to our outstanding PE Department,
James Kerr
22 sports competitions our teams finished in Sports Coordinators, support staff, parents,
the top two positions a total of 16 times. Communications Department, Student Sports
We congratulate our Division 1 winning
teams this year: boys Tennis, girls Basketball, SEASAC results 2017/2018 (all in Division 1)
girls Touch, girls Volleyball, Level 7 boys
Gymnastics. Sport Girls Boys
Special mention should go to our girls Badminton 2nd 4th
Volleyball team who won SEASAC for the Basketball Champions 3rd
first time in UWCD history—a phenomenal Cross Country 2nd 2nd
achievement; the girls Basketball team who
Football 4th 2nd
secured their fifth SEASAC title in a row; and
the girls Touch who have won 11 of the last Golf 4th 2nd
13 SEASAC championships—a monumental Gymnastics Level 7 – 2nd Level 7 – Champions
accomplishment; and our Level 7 boys Level 5 – 2nd Level 4 – 3rd
Gymnastics who are competing ahead of Level 3 – 3rd
fellow schools. Touch/Rugby Champions 2nd
We hosted SEASAC Cross Country and once Softball 2nd 4th
again hosted SEASAC Tennis with several Swimming 2nd 2nd
hundred supporters and spectators at the
Tennis 2nd Champions
Tennis courts and Medway Park field next
to our school. These were two memorable Volleyball Champions 6th
2
BADMINTON | Girls
Back row (L to R): Taarini Sinha**, Lauren Goh, Anjolie Arora**, Adeline Lee**
Front row (L to R): Avika Jindel*, Disha Mohta*, Samiksha Kattera**, Ananya Garg**, Tanvi Agarwal**
Absent: Kelly Ng
Coach: Michael Tan
This season was definitely filled with against the local schools in Singapore to of seeds for two of the doubles pairing. This
positive and negative encounters for the beating all of the schools in the ACSIS SEASAC experience wouldn’t be the same
UWCD girls Badminton team. Bearing in competition, it was evident that a strong without the coaches (Michael, Destyan, and
mind last year’s unfortunate loss in the bond has formed within the team as Elvin) because they shaped us to not only be
semi-finals, the team came back with support was provided regardless of the star players inside of the court but leaders
a stronger mentality and dedication, outcome of the matches. The team was outside of the court.
which was demonstrated through the mentally and physically prepared for the
By Anjolie Arora and Adeline Lee
perseverance during footwork sessions and toughest and biggest competition of the
beep tests. From playing challenging games year, SEASAC, and we ended up scoring best
3 * denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with Distinction
BADMINTON | Boys
Back row (L to R): Rohan Chukkaiahgari*, Ariq Rusli Bintang**, Ved Rajesh
Front row (L to R): Aditya Mehta*, David Lu**, Abhijay Agarwal**, Robert Seah*, Yang Chang-Jui (Ray)**
Absent: Mark Hunter
Coach: Destyan Nanda Nobela
19&U A Badminton has always been one eager and talented players ready to replace not expected as we defeated them in the
of the most competitive experiences we’ve the Grade 12s in the coming years. This Dragons Tournament with the exact same
had, ever since we first made it into the was the first tournament we participated in opponents, which meant that nobody met
team. For some of us it’s been four years the year and we could almost feel reward or even came close to their potential on
of a grueling schedule, training most days of all the exhausting drills, beep tests and that day.
of the week which came with numerous other physicals which we were extremely
We flew to Myanmar for SEASAC and
sacrifices, without which a victorious day reluctant on doing. After this tournament,
were hosted by the school that emerged
would never come. Unfortunately, last year we thought we had a good shot at the next
from Division 2, ISY. It was a rewarding
the boys played a relegation game and two tournaments and we were optimistic,
experience, the boys team came fourth
managed to come fifth out of six schools but never conceited.
place (out of seven schools) after having
because many of our seniors left us and
Our first game of ACSIS was against UWCE, lost the finals for third and fourth place
there were many newcomers. Fortunately,
our notoriously strong opponents, and we against UWCE (3-2). It was a very close
the influx of new younger players meant
each knew the same people we had been game, with the deciding game playing three
that they were much more reliable as they
planning for a year to beat. The first two long sets and lost the battle by three points.
are more enthusiastic and have less work to
singles started off, and both played a good It was exhilarating to watch as we stomped
manage. After a year we saw a tremendous
match, the first singles lost and our second our feet, cheered and clapped, whilst we
growth in their skills and this year we
won after a strenuous three long sets. Then watched this nerve-wrecking game which
certainly were able to set our eyes on a
our third and first doubles came on the decided whether or not we would go
medal for SEASAC.
courts, and they choked knowing that they back home with a medal. Overall, it was
As part of our preparation for SEASAC, we were playing the deciding games. The day a memorable weekend, certainly not just
participated in the Dragons Tournament ended with a loss 3-2 to the UWCE boys. from the games we played but the whole
hosted by UWCE. We played three other Immediately after the game we stopped for experience, the friends we talked with, the
schools, two of which are our rivals in the a moment and reflected on our mistakes food we ate, the things we learned and
upcoming, more important tournaments, and also saw the bright side which was, more. As we sat there in the gala dinner,
ACSIS and SEASAC. The result was stunning, that only last year we were undeniably seeing the people who stood up from their
we came first and most of us had won all trashed 5-0 and that this time we were chairs who are graduating this year, it gave
our games, save a few, including the B team extremely close. Despite the loss, we held us hope seeing as our young team can only
guys that came with us. The Tournament our heads high and we overcame the next grow stronger and that perhaps we will soon
not only allowed us to gauge our two schools with 5-0 wins to us against SJII get the flag, just not this year, my final year.
performance in SEASAC and ACSIS, but it and TTS. Unfortunately, after that we faced
By Akmal Rusli Bintang
also showed the formidable lineup of young, another loss against SAS 4-1, which was
* denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with Distinction 4
BASKETBALL | Girls
Back row (L to R): Sophia Gonzalez*, Caitlin Pawley**
Middle row (L to R): Kimaya Sarin*, Nur Khan*, Tyrel O’Sullivan**, Maria Ibarreche**, Riya Narayan**
Front row (L to R): Zoe Stamatelos*, Meghna Chaudhury*, Jocelyn Laxton**
Absent: Maayashree Goel*, Catherine Moerler**
Coach: Nestor Jr David
Yet again, for the fifth year running, the to the last crunch in the ACSIS finals, we for our potential, and never succumb to
UWCD 19&U A Basketball girls took the title sadly lost by a crushing few points, thus defeat. His positive attitude, exquisite dance
of SEASAC Champions, after what had been placing second in the league. We viewed this moves, contagious laughter and experienced
both a rewarding and intense season. It took devastating loss as a learning curve, the team coaching truly lifted the both the spirits
many months of tough trainings, consisting regained focus and was ever so hungry to and level of the team. Sadly, this year the
of both a plethora of ‘happy runs’ (Coach prove our sheer dominance at our upcoming team will be losing four vital players who
Nestor’s ironic name for suicide runs) and SEASAC tournament. are graduating. Emotions ran high towards
sacrifices to ensure we were up to par. During the end of the season approaching our last
Throughout the year, our team’s bond has
our season we also secured the title for our trainings and games with these beloved
grown stronger than ever, this was very
annual international tour which ISB hosted in teammates, particularly peaking after our
evident both on court; where our play was
Bangkok. Along the way, we encountered a SEASAC final. The team will forever cherish
so fluid, and off court; singing to God’s Plan.
lot of frustrating and disappointing moments the memories that have been made whilst
Through the highs and lows of the season,
playing Basketball this year.
which only served to drive us to work even our team is eternally grateful for Coach
harder. Despite winning three hard-fought Nestor Jr David. Being the backbone of the By Tyrel O’Sullivan and Caitlin Pawley
games against SAS, when it came down team, he never failed to inspire us to strive
5 * denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with Distinction
BASKETBALL | Boys
Back row (L to R): Kabir Pamnani**, Pyla Mansion**, Adam Djerf**, George Barkham*
Middle row (L to R): Moon Hyo Bin**, Ethan Harvey*, Nicolas Petersik**, Maximilian Clausius**, Yanni Stamatelos**
Front row (L to R): Alexander Watt**, Kenta Kido**, Kim Joon Sung**, Arya Madan Mohan**
Absent: Sebastiano Cannizzo**
Coach: Amir Boucenna
From the first day of training, it became our early tournaments and games especially Leading into the back end of the season
apparent to the whole team that this year in Homecoming where all our hard work with confidence and teamwork at a high,
would be a different beast from the year seemed to dissipate in a game that we were we secured a win over SAS (for the first
before. As hopeful players in tryouts lined all motivated to win. Another tournament time in 40 years) a success in itself. Leading
up on the baseline to complete the dreaded of disappointment was in ISB where the into SEASAC there was hope in the team
beep test, the moment of realisation came team got a fourth place finish, leaving with a for something better this year, however a
through that this team would be structured feeling of emptiness and failure, as everyone unfortunate combination of missed shots
around its fitness, defense (Mistor Djerf) knew that we could have won. This all led and injuries (Inspector Injured) led to us
and its discipline. This was due to a new to heightened tension on the team with bringing home the bronze again. However
coach, Amir Boucenna, whose methods multiple altercations between everyone in contrast to the start of the year we left
of tough love meant that throughout the involved, players against players, players with a feeling of success, that we had left
season we were always pushed to our limits against coach and Sasha squaring up with everything on the floor, battling to the last.
both physically and mentally. Coming in everyone in a five metre radius. Despite the highs and lows of our season,
third place from last year’s SEASAC, our our team would like to thank Coach Amir
However through all this struggle there was
team was hungry to win the Championship for the effort and the sacrifice that he put
light at the end of the tunnel as this extra
that had slipped through our grasp the in this season, which was inspirational for
sense of accountability and hunger to win,
year before. everyone of us throughout the season.
shaped a team that came together as one.
This therefore meant a ramp up in our Passes that were once turnovers into the As a team we would also like to say thank
overall commitment and more trainings stands (TO madan), became crisp assists you to the seniors for their contribution
at higher intensity, at times of the day leading to baskets on the other end, ISO and constant effort, being role models and
where most sane people would be in bed. plays ending up in airballs became planned support throughout the year. The team will
Implementing a new system of Basketball drives to the basket. However the team also cherish all the memories we made this year.
that demanded fitness (Mr 86kg point developed off the court as teammates were
By Kim Joon Sung
guard) and discipline meant that there were more than people that you play with on the
always struggles, hardships, and adversities court, but friends that you would hang out
that had to be overcome. This showed in with and look up to.
* denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with Distinction 6
CLIMBING
Back row (L to R): Tamsin Hunt*, Charlotte Firmenich**, Ayesha Pointer (Vice Captain)**, Caelinn Ó Maoileoin*, Caroline McKenzie**,
Juliana Wallner**, Karin Edwards*
Middle row (L to R): Matthew Chan*, Zakee Hamawi*, Eric Wallner (Captain)**, Oliver Staples**, Tomas Hunt*, Dylan Lau**
Front row (L to R): Aaliya Vij**, Amelia Chong**, Mayumi Lumb**, Nathalie Lam**, Beatrice Sturm**
Coaches: Nicholas Lee and Akmal Aziz
The year has been nothing but insane so outstanding achievement. I managed sixth climbing competition; FOBISIA Climbing in
far for the Climbing team. After having in the Open Men’s qualifiers, going through Bangkok. The team was very excited for this,
four of the stronger members of the team to my first Open Men’s Finals. Overall it as it was a first for them; going overseas,
graduate last year, multiple individuals was a great competition to be at since the staying in a hotel, competing in a different
readily presented themselves to assume team was so supportive, and came down to environment, meeting new people, going
these places in the team, and impressed support on as many days out of the three to the night market, having lots of fun! It
us all. After a few months of training, the that they could, something which we have was more than just a great success, with the
team entered the first competition of the yet to see another Climbing team do. team bringing home 33 of a total possible
year; Rockmaster, and albeit a smaller 54 medals; a huge turn-around from the last
competition, still very fun. This competition After that the team trained relentlessly few competitions. Just absolutely amazing!
sadly resulted in no individual podium for weeks until the next big competition,
Gravical. Gravical is one of the bigger Overall I’m very proud of my team this year,
placements for any team members, but
competitions in the year, so the team had and could not have wished for a better one
one group managed first place for the team
to prepare especially well. Sadly one of the to lead. They are all strong climbers, and to
event (consisting of four climbers).
team’s strongest male climbers, Dylan, still see them improve and progress so much,
Even still, the team performed exceptionally was out with an injury, but he is by far the and be so committed, is an unparalleled
well for the first competition of the best motivator any team could have, and feeling. As much as taking up the role of
year, with a good number going through we all wish him a swift recovery. The team Captain is not one I have excelled at, I have
into finals. Caroline placed first in the competed strong in the competition, which given them what I can and am happy to see
Novice Women qualifiers in her first ever was super cool to see. There were no finalists such a result. Hats off to you all; you make
competition, with Caelinn following close apart from our one and only Ayesha Pointer the impossible very possible, both on the
behind her in eighth place, out of more who placed 18th in the Open Women’s wall and off. I hope they have an excellent
than 65 competitors. Both pushed really qualifiers, out of 36 of the best climbers in year ahead, climbing strong and supporting
hard in the finals, and should be immensely the country, going through to the semi- each other as amazingly as they have, and
proud of themselves. Juliana managed an wish Beatrice good luck with her IB exams
finals, battling hard at such a level; truly
incredible sixth place in the Intermediate and life beyond UWCSEA (make sure to
an inspiration to the team. I also managed
Women’s qualifiers, and pushed hard in keep climbing!), and wish all the Grade 10s
seventh place in the Open Men’s qualifiers
the finals, while Aaliya placed 13th with good luck with their (I)GCSEs!
out of 55 of the best climbers in Singapore,
a strong overall finish. Ayesha placed
going through into the semi-finals. By Eric Wallner
15th in her first ever Open Women’s
competition; competing in Open Women’s With little haul from these events, the team
is a huge achievement in itself already, so moved to train for their first international
7 * denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with Distinction
CRICKET
Back row (L to R): Vignesh Srivathsan*, Harshal Desai*, Jai Narang, Aamir Rowther*
Middle row (L to R): Karan Kohli*, Rahul Balasubramanian*, Neel Sen*
Front row (L to R): Aquib Mohamed*, Sidharth Punshi*, Yash Mohan, Zain Malik*
Absent: Charles Day*, Advik Jain*, Arnav Pabby*
Coach: Chaminda Ruwan
Through intense training and the developments and improvements to players the players in the team to learn valuable
participation in our second tour of Sri Lanka, like Sid Punshi, Dev Gopalan and Arnav lessons which would stay with us for the
the Cricket team saw gradual improvements Pabhy and helped to speed up the growth rest of our lives. Winning our final game
in performances and results as the season of new team members like Zain Malik, on the tour and seeing the progression and
progressed. We were constantly told the Aamir Rowther, and Aquib Mohamed, who development of so many players and the
purpose of the season was to play hard and through their dedication and commitment entire team showed how hard work can
good Cricket, and the results to match that to training saw big improvements in their translate in to success.
would soon follow. consistency with bowling and sensibility
Overall, the Sri Lanka tour eventually
with batting.
The more experienced Grade 11s and 12s, managed to bring out the best Cricket in us,
including the Captain Vignesh Srivathsan, All of our training climaxed to our cricket and it gave us all the confidence individually
Vice Captain Harshal Desai, and other tour of Sri Lanka, which involved hours of and as a team that on our day, we can
experienced players like Rahul Bala and tireless effort and sacrifices made by our compete against the best in our country.
Neel Sen, were tasked with filling the coach Chaminda, who managed to give
We would all like to take this opportunity
massive shoes of the now graduated us relatively inexperienced cricketers the
to thank our coach Chaminda again for
Grade 12s, who were integral parts of the chance to play at world class grounds, and
making this tour possible, and without his
batting, keeping and bowling departments play against high quality opponents who
dedication with coaching kids of all ages in
for the last four years. The Grade 9s and would provide us new challenges everyday.
our school, Cricket at UWCD would never
10s were largely given freedom to play With seven games played in just under a
be in the strong position it is in today.
their natural game, and to continue to week and a thin squad to choose from, our
work towards finding the style of play physical and mental strength were tested By Harshal Desai
that suits them best. This led to massive to the limit. However this allowed for all
* denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with Distinction 8
CROSS COUNTRY | Girls
Front row (L to R): Delphine Malik**, Maia Peacock*, Eve Singer**, Enola de Smet **
Absent: Isabella Ghersi**, Jee Hyae In (Jenny), Looi Siao Si
Coaches: Vicki Hill and Andrew McCarthy
Day 1 of SEASAC was our individual 5km 1.5k (3k in total) around the park, on grass the lead. Bella was our last runner and
relay at MacRitchie Reservoir. The route and path. The course was incredibly difficult she absolutely nailed it, widening the gap
is extremely tough due to the numerous due to the very steep climbs as well as even further and securing a massive win
different terrains (jungle trail, concrete, constant ups and downs. for us, despite rolling her ankle, we finished
across bridges, road) and it was such an Girls went first, with Enola starting for us. over 200m ahead of second place. It was
undulating course. Despite it being such She raced so well, putting up a good fight extremely exciting and very emotional.
a difficult and hilly course, it was still an with UWCE’s best runner, it was incredibly Overall it was second place for the girls at
extremely fast race. The jungle section of exciting to watch them race it out, already SEASAC after tying with UWCE on points
the race was very wet and slippery, the gaining a huge lead from the rest of the but due to them winning the individual race.
uneven and hilly terrain made that section runners. Next was Delphine, despite being It was sad and disappointing but we left
very difficult. It was a very successful race 100m behind first place, she absolutely feeling very proud of how well everyone
Bella won the girls overall, with Enola in destroyed her, chasing her down in the first raced. Overall UWCD ran really well with
fourth, Delphine in eighth, Eve in 12th and lap and building a huge lead in the second.
great results for both girls and boys.
Maia in 13th. Day 2 was the team relay at With Maia and Eve in third and fourth
Medway Park (the old golf course) next to position respectively they had the difficult By Eve Singer
school. Each runner had to run two laps of pressure of maintaining and increasing
9 * denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with DistinctionCROSS COUNTRY | Boys
Front row (L to R): Samir Varma**, Martin Zieler**, Tomas Hunt*, Edward Lee (Teddy)**
Absent: Benjamin Daniels, Diego Danselme, George Diggle, Adit Kshettry, Oliver Staples, Luca Wigley**, Averill Yang
Coaches: Vicki Hill and Andrew McCarthy
The 2017 Cross Country season was very The SEASAC race was hosted by us this As to the relay, the course comprised
exciting and proved to be full of team year, the individual 5km race taking place multiple off-track parts, that in addition to
building and individual growth. The two at MacRitchie Reservoir and the 3km the steep terrain also made this race very
major competitions we faced his year, were team relay taking place at Medway Park. challenging. The boys team placed second
the ACSIS and SEASAC races. MacRitchie Reservoir was a challenging in this race, allowing us to win second place
course, having numerous small hills that had overall for the SEASAC competition.
In the annual ACSIS race the course was set
to be overcome, muddy dirt trails, and some
at Bedok, spanning 5km in length. Amongst We would like to thank our coaches Ms. Hill
concrete paths. This created a constantly
us we also counted some U16 runners, who and Mr. McCarthy, who supported us during
changing terrain that forced the runners
performed admirably. Although UWCD our many practice sessions and races.
to consistently adapt their pace, making
boys didn’t win any places in the individual
the beginning and end of the race very By Martin Zieler
ranking, we won the team ranking, walking
fast paced and the 3km in-between more
away as the winners of the competition.
moderate paced, but just as challenging due
This created a strong start to the new
to the difficult terrain. Although none of the
season and gave us the motivation and
boys placed in the top three, we all felt that
confidence to continue our training with
we had performed our best.
heightened intensity.
* denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with Distinction 10FOOTBALL | Girls
Back row (L to R): Katherine Lai*, Meghna Chaudhury*, Margherita Rampichini**, Cheryl Tugade, Hannah Runacres*, Lydia Small,
Isha Sipahimalani**
Front row (L to R): Alva Zinser (Captain)**, Eleanor-Fei Pinnegar**, Jocelyn Laxton*, Hani Sparks, Riya Narayan*, Alessandra David (Captain)**,
Alena Scherer*, Annika Sinha
Absent: Zoe Anderson, Juliet van Gyseghem, Maria Ibarreche*, Enola de Smet**, Iris Zieler
Coaches: Steve Webster and Sophie Morley
In the 2017/2018 season, we started off combinations and set plays on the field. UWCE unfortunately took the lead, which
with a very diverse team, having a range Our team was extremely successful at subsequently left us in fourth place. Despite
of ages, with students from Grade 7–12 this tournament, having been undefeated the result not going our way, the team
joining our squad. Our season began with and winning against TTS in the final. After gave it their all and played some amazing
our 11-aside games in ACSIS, featuring some this, the team was full of excitement for Football throughout the season. SEASAC
very competitive and close games, such as SEASAC, and we managed to hone in all MVP was Alessandra David, Co-Captain of
a nail biting draw against TTS. Our team the energy and focus on playing some great the squad, for an outstanding performance
played together fantastically, demonstrated Football during the group stages. We came at the competition. On behalf of the entire
through our very confident wins against out of the group stages without a single team, we would love to say a huge thank
AIS, SAIS, and two draws against SAS defeat and being placed a very comfortable you to our coaches for the season that they
and UWCE to finish the ACSIS season first in the table, we saw ourselves go head have given us. Steve Webster and Sophie
unbeaten. In preparation for SEASAC, to head against TTS, our strongest rivals, in Morley have been with us through countless
our team participated in two invitational the semi-finals. After having beaten them training sessions in pre-season, season, and
tournaments, the UWCE Dragons and 6-0 earlier that day, we were focused on lots of Friday mornings to help shape our
the SAS IASAS Exchange. The SAS IASAS winning this game to find our way into the team, improving our fitness and Football
Exchange saw our team win two games, as finals. However, this game did not go our ability, and giving us all an activity that we
well as draw one, unfortunately losing the way, with the entire team slightly lacking can look forward to, especially making this
final game against SAS. Following the SAS in energy to match the playing of the TTS last season so enjoyable for the nine seniors
tournament, 15 players were chosen to play girls, leaving us with a loss against TTS in that will be leaving this year.
at the UWCE Invitational. The tournament the semis, bringing us into third/fourth
By Alva Zinser
gave us great exposure to playing 7-a-side play-offs. We lacked a bit of focus and some
matches, allowing us to explore different mental strength the following day, when
11 * denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with DistinctionFOOTBALL | Boys
Back row (L to R): Alexander Barbier*, Ivor Teagle**, Vihan Chandiramani, Udayveer Singh*, Felipe Monassi Kedia*, Akimasa Ihara*,
Kyu Takeda*
Front row (L to R): Philip Nilsen**, Arinjay Singhai, Gauthier Jacqmin, Abel Herbst*, Aidan Gamble*, Rory Anderson**, Saatwik Kaul*,
Jang Jun Hyeok*
Absent: Paul Le Helloco**, Andrew Kipkoech**, Dhruv Marwa*, Tejas Sarna*
Coaches: Mike Little and Owen Monaghan
The 19&U Football boys season was full with the young players proving their worth convincing 5-1 defeat of UWCE cementing
of excitement. and the older players leading the team. The the rematch in the semi-final. It was in this
league was won at UWCE. all-UWCSEA semi-final that Andrew shone,
The squad was mixed, with all four High
scoring a golden goal extra-timer winner,
School grades represented. The boys started Along the way to SEASAC were the SAIS
taking us to the SEASAC final and knocking
the season strong, winning a few of friendly and UWCE Invitational tournaments, where
UWCE out. In a tough Sunday morning
victories in a row. Going into the ACSIS many of our players tasted 7-a-side Football
final, however, NIST came out on top. It
tournament, they kept their momentum for the first time in UWCD colours, giving
was an incredible experience and thrilling
going, scoring 14 goals and conceding none in them valuable experience moving forward.
tournament for all of us.
their first three league games. After a tough At SEASAC, we were led by the fantastic
home draw against SAS, the biggest challenge and exceptional coaches Owen and Mike, Our season thus concluded, topping
of the season arrived—the league decider who supported us, motivated us and made the ACSIS table and arriving second in
against UWCE. In what was always going to us feel like a team when we needed it. We SEASAC. Both huge achievements that
be a heated match, Rory Anderson continued started off slow but in winning fashion, the entire team can be very proud of, and
his stunning goal scoring record and silenced coming from behind to beat TTS 5-3 in achievements that would not have been
the crowd, scoring a hat trick (including our first game. The group stage was a possible without our coaches there to guide
an absolute screamer of a finish from the balanced affair, with the team coming in us and drive us; Owen and Mike, thank you.
halfway line) to draw 3-3. The whole team second, losing only to NIST. This was until
By Rory Anderson
played well during the entire league season, the final game of the group stage, with the
* denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with Distinction 12GOLF
Back row (L to R): Kazuki Muneyoshi, Htet Htet Aung (Christina), Rhen Lee
Front row (L to R): Payal Mahesh, Varun Taneja* (boys Captain) Devika Singh (girls Captain), Gaurika Sawhney, Shriya Agarwal*
Absent: George Delios, James Gould-Healy, Atiksh Gupta
Coaches: Neil McCulloch, Julie Martens and John Bush
The UWCSEA SEASAC Golf Championship on the first) and downs (such as a missed also improved by five shots to shoot an
was held on 24–25 November 2017. This 2 footer on the last). It was a challenging impressive 85, while Gaurika maintained
year’s SEASAC championship was held day for the team, but as Devika said it was consistency with an 88. Again, the girls
at the Summit Windmill Golf Club in also an “important learning experience”. Captain Devika Singh struggled on course
Bangkok, Thailand by RIS. The Golf team The boys had a mixed first day. The school in a round that featured one birdie, but
was an interesting mix of relatively new champion Varun Taneja opened with a 77 also a nine on the 13th. But like her usual
faces being led by Devika Singh and Varun that was respectable but also far below his positive self, she said she would “move onto
Taneja as the respective girls and boys capabilities. The only Grade 12 on the team, better 13s [holes]”. All in all they came in
Captains. Following a positive practice George Delios opened with a 85 that was a respectable fourth place, only being four
round where all players got to know the also a significant disappointment. However, shots off placing a medal. The boys second
course, the team was confident that they there were bright rounds from many of the day was significantly better, which was
could give first place a run – a title that younger players on the team. For instance, partly inspired by an inspirational speech
had eluded previously more experienced the youngest player on the team Aktish from Captain Varun Taneja the previous day.
teams. Unfortunately on the girls side, the Gupta opened with an impressive 83 with George Delios improved most markedly
first round was a trying effort. The clear pinpoint accuracy from tee to green – this with a great 69 that was the best individual
sky offered no protection from Thailand’s score tied fellow newcomer Rhen Lee. score of the tournament by four shots,
notoriously brutal heat, and especially long James Healy was slightly behind with a and an improvement of 16 shots from the
rounds (over five hours) made it difficult 85. It was not the best day for the team, previous day. Varun Taneja shot another 77
to score. Gaurika Sawnhey led the way but a combined score from the top four on a hard-grinding day that kept the boys
with an impressive 84 that put her in ninth of 328 put them in contention only seven in contention. Rhen, Aktish and Jay also
place. Shriya Agarwal was close behind shots back of TTS. The second day for girls all improved to shoot respective score of
with a 87, although admittingly, this was marked improvement from many players, 80, 81 and 83. All together, the boys team
a disappointing round for her 5-handicap that were keen to move on from Friday’s improved by 23 shots on the second day to
caliber. Htet Aung shot a solid 90. Lastly, first round. This was most pronounced in snatch second place from host-school RIS
the local favourite (and experienced) Devika Shriya’s impressive 75 which was the third by two shots.
Singh shot a 94 in a topsy-turvy round that best score of the second day, in a thrilling
By Devika Singh and Varun Taneja
featured ups (such as a straight 160m drive round that featured three birdies. Htet Aung
13 * denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with DistinctionNETBALL
Back row (L to R): Alisha Malhotra, Hattie Nelligan**, Kayla Bryant
Middle row (L to R): Maya Raivadera (Vice Captain)**, Emma Motteram**, Caitlin Pawley (Captain)**, Elena Chesser
Front row (L to R): Nailah Ranjan*, Hannah Subbaraman*, Lee Su Yen
Absent: Nur Khan
Coach: Mandy Neil
The 2018 19&U Netball season was one goal at half time, TTS ultimately won the rescheduled match was crucial as it would
filled with many highs and lows. The team match, putting us in contention for third and determine who won the bronze medal.
was faced with many injuries throughout fourth place. The team played an extremely Having lost out on a medal at SEANET, the
the season, with just four out of the 11 close game against CDNIS, and although team was hungry for a victory. The game
players finishing the season completely we fought hard, the bronze ultimately went was played at UWCE, with strong support
injury free. However, despite these setbacks, to CDNIS. It was a heartbreaking moment from the spectators for the home team.
the girls put a positive spin on the situation to just lose out on a medal at SEANET for The game was the tightest one in the entire
and stepped up to the plate. The team the second year in a row, but the team took season, with the UWCE and UWCD rivalry
had changed drastically compared to the it as a learning experience that could be running strong throughout the entire match.
previous year, as many Grade 12 players had used at the upcoming MCM Straits Netball The score was almost always tied, with both
graduated and younger players had filled Tournament and ACSIS. teams sometimes managing to get ahead by
the gaps. Learning to work together as a a goal or two. However, in the last quarter, we
new team was challenging, but by the end The 19&U A team was split into a U16 and managed to get a four goal lead to secure a
of the season, the team had bonded and a U18 team for the tournament at MCM. well deserved win and claim the ACSIS bronze
become a strong unit. It was hard to readjust to playing with a medal. The pressure was intense but the team
different team, and there was very strong stayed composed, and it was evident that the
The season started off with our major competition from the local Malaysian team had improved tremendously.
annual competition, the South East Asia schools. The U16 team ended up placing
Netball Tournament (SEANET) hosted by fourth while the U18 team placed fifth. It has been a great season and the team
TTS. The day before the tournament, our It was not the finish the team had been would like to thank Ms Neil for being an
Captain, Caitlin, injured her ankle. This was hoping for, but it was a great experience and incredible coach, as well as Caitlin and
an unfortunate last minute setback and learning opportunity. Maya, our Captains, for their excellent
forced the team to reshuffle combinations. leadership. We will miss our Grade 12
However, the team pulled together at the The ACSIS season saw a mixture of wins and players and we wish them the best of luck!
tournament to make it to the semi-finals, losses. The team lost to TTS and the AIS, and
By Maya Raivadera
where we had to play the home team, TTS, were therefore in contention for the bronze
to get a chance to compete for first and medal. With an initial match against UWCE
second. Although we were winning by one being called off due to bad weather, the
* denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with Distinction 14GYMNASTICS | Girls
Back row (L to R): Yulia Sen*, Erynn Lau*, Nia Kaul*, Madeleine Hoang**
Middle row (L to R): Madeline Kardachi*, Jazmin Zastera*, Jacinta Ghirardello*, Pia Malakul Na Ayudhya*, Zoe Gaa**
Front row (L to R): Lara Choo*, Tara Gibson*, Alina Sen**, Mireya Ellwood*, Tasmyn Dahan*
Absent: Emily Illingworth*
Coaches: Dzimitry Savitski, Faé Gesmundo and Anna Cruz
During this academic year, the UWCD hard, adding in new skills and polishing the not eligible to claim a team award, did
gymnasts have partaken in five different old. The UWCE Invitational took place in exceptionally well. Alina Sen, came in
meets. The first meet of the year, held February 2018, and the girls treated this as fourth place all around, and took a gold
right after the October break, was Prime a practice for SEASAC Gymnastics, which for the Floor Exercise followed by Lara
Invitational, an annual event featuring high would be taking place in the same gym Choo, who came in sixth place for the
level Gymnastics, performed by gymnasts only a month later. Again, we only had two floor exercise. Alongside the silver team
from all over Southeast Asia. Results were full levels competing which were Levels placing, the Level 7s managed to claim a
close, the Level 5 team finished in seventh 5 and 7, Level 5 came in fourth whilst the few individual awards. Representing UWCD
place, and the Level 7 and 8 teams finished Level 7 team came in second. Some amazing for her last time, Madeleine Hoang took
in fifth. performances from our Level 8 gymnasts, home the gold for beam, closely followed by
Zoe Gaa and Jazmin Zastera who placed Madeline Kardachi who took bronze. Lastly,
Following the Annual Prime Invitational was
first and second. The girls trained hard over competing in the highest level of SEASAC
the UWCD Invite and our girls did very well.
the next month leading up to SEASAC, Gymnastics was Zoe Gaa, competing in
Almost all teams made it onto the podium,
despite injuries, they worked hard to polish Level 8. On the first day she placed third
with all Levels 6, 7 and 8 placing second, our
and perfect their routines. in the all around and on the second day
Level 5 team, coming in close, came fifth.
she placed second for both Unparallel
There were some incredible performances Finally, the biggest Gymnastics event of the
Bars and Balance Beam and third for the
by our team, and many received all around year, SEASAC Gymnastics, hosted by UWCE.
Vault Table and Floor Exercise. The end of
awards and individual apparatus awards. The weekend was packed with adrenaline,
SEASAC Gymnastics marks the end of the
Soon after the Christmas break, the team friendship and true sportsmanship. All the
year’s Gymnastics competitive season;
flew over to Thailand where the HIS hard work paid off over the course of the
congratulations to everyone who competed
hosted FOBISIA, an exciting competition two days, and the UWCD girls excelled.
this year. A big thank you to all the coaches
in which schools from all over Southeast Both our Level 5 and 7 teams took home
for all you help and support this year, and a
Asia took part in. We only had two full silver. Our Level 5, Yulia Sen, finished
final goodbye and thanks to our coach Anna
levels taking part in this competition, second in the all around competition, and
Cruz, who has helped us come so far.
Level 5 and 7, and they placed third and the rest of the Level 5s, who performed
second, respectively. Over the short break outstandingly took at least one award By Pia Malakul Na Ayudhya
between competitions, the team trained home. As for our two Level 6s, although
15 * denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with DistinctionGYMNASTICS | Boys
Back row (L to R): Hugh Stanley*, Christopher Halkas*, Callum Vujanovic**, Fynn Kardachi*
Middle row (L to R): Myles Chesser*, Yash Mahajan*, Aidan Cheung*
Front row (L to R): James Chesser**
Coach: Maksim Sytsko
The boys in Level 4 and Level 6 competed their routines. James Chesser had been forced named the SEASAC Level 4 Vault and High
in five competitions this year (in quick to move up to Level 4 for this competition Bar Champion. Even though James was
succession), training for about 17 hours a by the Gymnastics committee but still the youngest competitor from our team,
week to ensure a great outcome for UWCD. performed with flying colours coming eighth he still finished with a silver medal in the
overall. Yash and Fynn won the gold and silver Parallel Bars. Myles Chesser and Aidan
The Annual Prime Competition was a great
respectively in Level 6 with Yash also grabbing Cheung performed well and were both major
experience for all the boys. It was the first
five out of the seven possible golds. The boys contributors in securing the team silver. The
competition of the season and nerves ran
high but every level competed well and had a competition almost every month and Level 6s were seen as fierce competitors, Fynn
scored high, with the Level 6 boys beating were knackered, with several rips on their took home the all-around gold and despite a
out multiple clubs and schools. The boys hands and were plagued with all kind of fall on the Pommel Horse, Yash got a silver.
trained hard after Prime Invitational, showing injuries but despite the setbacks, worked hard Hugh took home the fifth place all around
their skills in the UWCD Invite, amazing every day in the gym to polish their routines position. On the second day, Yash and Fynn
routines were displayed, and every boy for the biggest event coming up – SEASAC. still dominated in their competition – getting
made it onto the podium. The Level 4 boys gold and silver respectively. Yash was named
SEASAC Gymnastics was truly a great
took home a silver, and Yash Mahajan and the SEASAC Level 6 High Bar and Still Rings
competition, many schools from all over
Fynn Kardachi dominated in the Level 6 Champion and Fynn was named the Floor
came to take part in the competition and
competition and tied for first place. In late and Parallel Bars Champion. Hugh Stanley
the weekend was packed with outstanding
January the team travelled to Bangkok to beat managed to beat the strong competition
routines and great friendships. The boys
participate in the FOBISIA games. Schools and took home the Vault silver. SEASAC
excelled on both days; scoring their personal
came from all over Southeast Asia to marked the end of the competition season,
bests. Our Level 4s took home the silver, the
compete and the UWCD boys, once again, all the boys did fantastically this year and
Level 6s came back as the SEASAC reigning
came out on top, every medal claimed was we applaud our coach, Maksim, for his hard
champions. The Level 4s performed very
rightfully earned. A special mention to Hugh efforts in the gym every day to help the boys,
well in the individual competitions as well
Stanley, FOBISIA was his first competition supported ably by Dzimitry and Fae. Although
– despite an unfortunate fall on Pommel
since his injury and he performed very well Coach Anna didn’t coach the boys specifically,
Horse, Callum still secured the ninth place
which helped earn the Level 6 boys a gold we will miss her positive attitude in the
all around finish with the rest of the team in
medal finish in the team competition. gym and her sense of humour. Thank you
close pursuit. Callum was able to get a gold
to everyone for this incredible Gymnastics
The UWCE Invitational Competition was medal on the Parallel Bars and two silvers
season, a big hurrah to Team Phoenix!
seen as a practice round for SEASAC. The on the Floor and the Vault. Christopher
UWCD boys competed well and nailed all Halkas performed his best ever and was By Yash Mahajan
* denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with Distinction 16HOCKEY | Girls
Back row (L to R): Sarah Hanegraaf*, Anna Kennedy*, Arushi Sivasankar*, Elena Chesser*, Cassandra Wong*, Tanvi Agarwal*
Middle row (L to R): Lara Weyns*, Lonneke Oostveen*, Demi van Deursen**, Nienke Mik*, Delphine Malik*
Front row (L to R): Tessa van den Nieuwendijk*, Lauren Traas**, Maria Pia Rossi Medero*, Nadia Greutert
Absent: Htet Htet Aung (Christina), Sonika Bagchi, Lara Kaur Chal, Yuval Chen, Michelle Greutert, Loraine Huinck, Stella Joergensen,
Claire Kim, Anisha Misra, Babette Oostveen, Ayesha Pointer, Mahek Prasad, Ragini Suri, Karina Walker
Coaches: Jennifer Law, Stew Bamrah and Jagjit Singh
In Grade 11, I was the new girl on the took place during exams, never have I seen we played against trained together every
Hockey team. I couldn’t get around the more commitment from the players. This week throughout the year and included girls
disastrous stories of the games the team commitment was not only present on that were on average two to three years
had played in Division 1 the year before. the pitch. We also showed commitment older. In the game against SCC, we proved
Every once in a while, some of the girls were while organising the kits, but ended up at ourselves with only a 1-0 loss. The words of
laughing when Division 1 was mentioned. McDonald’s when the shop was closed. But the coach in the last minute of that game,
As Captain in Grade 12, I have to admit that it did not matter whether we were wearing obviously suggested that we did not make it
I therefore wasn’t very confident when we PE kits, boy’s T-shirts, light or dark blue easy for them. We had a mix of experienced
had to compete in Division 1. This team socks, or green socks with palm trees, we players on the pitch combined with players
however, from the first game onwards, were ready. It also did not matter that it that have only played for a year, and this
proved me wrong. Even though we were was 34 degrees and sunny, we were there makes being Captain of a team like this an
quite frustrated about the fact that we fighting for that ball. Surprisingly, after the experience that I will never forget.
heard of fixtures late and that we had two first game, Division 1 did not seem to be
By Lauren Traas
games each weekend and that the games impossible. It was our level. Most teams
17 * denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with DistinctionHOCKEY | Boys
Back row (L to R): Shin Seung Min (Sam), Jan Blaauwendraad*, Gavin Heggie, Benjamin Daniels**
Front row (L to R): Harrison Barkham, Ethan Harvey, Cosmo Wezenbeek**
Absent: Myles Chesser, Dimitri van den Heede, Grégory Ionine, Yash Mahajan, Truong Hoàng Minh, Robbert Nieuwenhuijzen*,
Julian Reitmaier*, Rufus Rice, Jobanjit Singh, Terrence Tan, Rory Wilton
Coaches: Jagjit Singh and Stew Bamrah
The 19&U boys 2017/2018 Hockey season the majority of our senior players had left, from time to time, but I saw genuine sparks
can be seen in two ways. Either a ‘season leaving only a team of four seniors behind. of magic, which showed me these boys
of failure’, with an average of one Grade have potential.
Back then I thought, “There was no
12 player showing up for every game, or
hope!”, and my judgement proved correct. They might be young kids in my eyes who
as an ‘incubation year’. Many would see it However, every middle schooler and have a terrible sense of humour, but they
as a failure, however I’d like to see it as the Grade 9 playing on that field exceeded my could challenge the determination and
latter. Usually you’d measure the success expectation of courage and will power as resilience of any 19&U UWCSEA athlete.
of a team with the amount of wins in a they continued to give 100% on the field, They aren’t kids to me anymore, they have
season. Well by that logic, this season was a and then come back to every training to become the new generation of the 19&U
complete catastrophe, since we lost all our improve for the next game. Not letting the Hockey team. A team with a long journey
NJL games. Well then, how is this season results of each game define them. ahead, but I already know that with enough
not a ‘failure’? time and development they will all be great
This gave me hope that as their skills will
Hockey players that I am proud to be the
For starters, having a team with the average progress, they will become a great team
Captain of.
age of 14 in a 19&U league makes us insane, in the future. They might have frustrated
and it is true. In the beginning of the year, me on the lack of experience they have By Cosmo Wezenbeek
* denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with Distinction 18TOUCH RUGBY | Girls
Back row (L to R): Alexandra Tonby-Strandborg*, Jemima Lee, Sophia Jelfs*, Isabella Lambrou, Jessica Verhoeven (Vice Captain)**,
Lou-Ann Bénéton*, Eleonore Morin**
Front row (L to R): Emma Abou-Haidar Ventura**, Kailey Ross, Rosie Clark, Sophia Barkham (Captain)**, Lee Su Lin*, Tian Devine*,
Sonia Jones**, Crystal le Roux**, Kathleen Jelfs*
Absent: Caitlin Gill**
Coach: Jazreel Tan
The 19&U A Touch team felt the pressure was evident playing back in Singapore A special mention has to go to our new
this year as we strived to meet the and the rest of the season. The first major coach, Jazreel Tan, who had the pressure
expectations of continuing last year’s tournament in season was the Pan Pacific of living up to Shane Morris’s many years
success. The pressure was on with 10 out of All Schools. After the first day of strong of success at UWCD combined with having
14 of our previous players graduated, our Touch and coming top of our pool, we just a young and new team. Jaz is the reason
previous coach retired and combined with missed making semi-finals by two close why the team culture of the Prems lives on
numerous serious injuries that plagued pre- losses in the knockout rounds. Although as well as our high level of play. Jaz gave
season as well as season. this was a hard pill to swallow, the team the team lots of game time against local
bounced back and managed to secure the women’s teams and really expanded our
We started the year off travelling to championship in our extremely competitive skill sets as we were able to play stronger
Brisbane for the Queensland All Schools ACSIS season over the following weeks, teams but without the pressure of playing
with the emphasis not only on our play, but putting us in an ideal position for SEASAC rival schools. This allowed the team to grow
also on our team cohesiveness and attitude. in KL. The team performed well the first and become confident in our own ability as
The team performed well, but seemed a two days in KL, coming top of the pool well as have fun playing really nice Touch.
little lost on the field as the high level of and securing a spot in the finals the next Jaz managed to turn a young inexperienced
Australian Touch was something few on the morning. Nerves were high as we knew we team into ACSIS and SEASAC Champions
team had experienced before. Throughout had the ability to win, we just needed to and we as a team, are extremely grateful
the tournament we improved as players play our own game. The game proved to
for not only the knowledge she passed onto
started stepping up on the field to provide be a hard one mentally and although we
us, but for our team culture and the fun we
our game with more structure and fluidity. didn’t play our best Touch, we continued to
have together.
Trust and support were a major factor of work together and eventually the tries came
the trip and translated onto the field, which giving us a 3-2 win and the gold. By Sophia Barkham
19 * denotes Colours | ** denotes Colours with DistinctionYou can also read
