This year we had 11 awards to give out, with 44 shortlisted across a range of clubs, teams and individuals. With over 250 nominations made, the shortlisting was a challenge and a massive congratulations to all those that made it into the final four.
What a fantastic evening Athletics Union (AU) dinner 2024 was. Celebrating the achievements of everyone involved with the Athletics Union, including the ups and downs that season 23-24 brought.
We began the night with a welcome by Brandon Tester (President of the Students’ Union) that was well received and set the tone for the evening ahead. After dinner, the nights entertainment began which this year was ‘Rock n Roll bingo’. Something new to AU Dinner but a welcomed change.
Next we heard the opening address by Jess Bradbury (Vice President Achievement and Belonging of the Students’ Union) who spoke to various sporting and personal highlights across the year.
This year we had 11 awards to give out, with 44 shortlisted across a range of clubs, teams and individuals. With over 250 nominations made, the shortlisting was a challenge and a massive congratulations to all those that made it into the final four.
RAG Contributor of the Year
The first award was RAG Contributor of the Year. This award is to recognise an individual or club who has gone above and beyond for our chosen charity this year, Stokenchurch Dog Rescue. Bucks FC were the winners of this award. Courageously taking on the Wax a footballer fundraiser, Bucks FC raised an impressive £370 in just 2 hours. Alongside this, they displayed an impressive amount of dedication at every RAG event throughout the year.
Most Improved Player of the Year
The next award is to recognise an individual that has shown massive improvement over the last year, taking into consideration commitment and dedication to improve their sport. The Most Improved Player of the Year award went to Brendan Lawrence. Brendan has shown immense drive this year to improve as a rugby player and become a consistent first-choice for the team sheet. Brendan’s confidence has grown immensely, leading to him getting picked for the varsity starting line-up at fullback, one of the most pressured positions on the pitch.
Fresher of the Year
Our award for Fresher of the Year went to Will Johnson. Will jumped into the AU as soon as he could, also filling the role of Social Sec in his third week of being at University. Will has become a massive part of Bucks Men's Rugby club both on and off the pitch, from helping people with specifics at training and receiving player of the season from the coaches, right through to volunteering his time and getting involved in everything he could.
Coach of the Year
Next, we had the award for Coach of the Year. The winner was Mitchell Hines. Mitch continues to gain admiration from his players and everyone involved with Volleyball here at the university. He spends time outside of practice to make strategic plans ahead of the games, spotting how best to succeed against opposition universities. He will also make sure every player has been given the tools to flourish in every aspect of Volleyball. His dedication to coaching cannot be overstated and he is a well-deserved winner of Coach of the Year.
Team of the Year
Team of the Year recognises the most successful team based purely on performance. The award duly goes to the Women’s Volleyball. Finishing third place in tier 2 of the BUCS league system, they also reached the quarter finals in the cup. Equalling the furthest any Bucks team got in the cup, making sure to fit rearranged games in to not miss a match. Their improvement and rise has been phenomenal. Our Women’s Volleyball team have shown sportsmanship, tenacity, and unity.
Bucks Spirit of Sport Award
After a short interval, we continued with the awards and picked back up with the Bucks Spirit of Sport Award. The award recognises those off the pitch, living by the Bucks family ethos and showing support to their peers. John Heatley was awarded this. Being injured himself, meant he hadn't been able to play Rugby, however, John hasn't stopped being a part of the club, going to training, collecting kits, helping players with technique and tips, holding pads and letting the team “smack him” for drills. John also ran the line at every single rugby fixture this year. His love for the AU shows in the conversations he has with other teams showing a general interest in their sports not just his own.
Captain of the Year
One of the most coveted awards is the Captain of the Year award. Based on which captain has been exceptional at their duties all year, showing dedication and a commitment to their team. This award went to Karla Lozada. Captaining Women’s Volleyball to multiple Team of the weeks. Karla has shown incredible commitment getting the team to play under any circumstances. This included playing on numerous weekdays to fulfil fixtures. Karla has continually shown exemplary conduct amongst her team and the Volleyball club. She has been extremely communicative about what the team needs to improve, doing this with understanding and passion for her sport. Karla is respected by all her players and captains the team with enthusiasm.
Committee Member of the Year
The award of Committee Member of the Year was next and was awarded to Reece Newey. Reece consistently went above and beyond expectations. Reece’s enthusiasm to see his club succeed has been a delight. Along with his proactive approach to problem-solving and his willingness to help fellow committee members he has been instrumental in seeing Bucks FC’s members engage in nearly all aspects of the Union. Running enjoyable socials for his club and making sure members engaged with RAG events, volunteering and fundraisers such as wax a footballer. Reece has been a fantastic committee member displaying high standards for not just himself but for those around him.
Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year
Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year honours the best female and male athlete whose performance most embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement. Sportswoman of the Year went to Holly Spittles, after establishing herself as an integral part of the Netball 1st team and a brilliant goal scorer. Holly’s performances over this season have been incredible. She demonstrates fantastic passion for her sport, playing outside of the University in a high standard league. Holly uses all her experience and helps not just the 1st team with her ability on the court but also the second team with words of guidance, knowledge, and support. Sportsman of the Year went to Dwayne Wilson. Dwayne has been a mainstay in Men’s Basketball’s and his natural enthusiasm has aided the growth of the game within university. His commitment to the club is admirable. Highlighted by his willingness to train early mornings and late evenings as well as helping to organise all players Basketball playing licenses at the beginning of the year. At Varsity, Dwayne showed his high levels of kills on the court as he helped guide the team to a superb 82-42 win. His dedication, skill, and leadership not only elevate his own performance but also inspire teammates.
Club of the Year
One of the most sought-after awards came next, Club of the Year. The award recognises a club based on their overall success and achievements throughout the year. This was awarded to Netball, The Netball club has successfully run two RAG fundraisers including Pie a Netballer and 30 Miles Run for Breast Cancer, raising over £600 for charity. Also completing many volunteering hours, by taking part in the beach clean, One Can and poppy selling. Netball has consistently held constructive committee meetings, with open communication with Students’ Union staff. Their willingness to fundraise and commitment to the wider Students' Union earns them Club of the Year.
Hall of Fame
Next up, came our inductee into our Hall of Fame. Marli Jessop, Joining BNU in 2021 Marli Jessop did not take long to make her mark within the Athletic Union. A talented hurdler, at her very first BUCS Indoor Championships Marli earned one gold and one bronze medal at the BUCS Outdoor Championships. Her fantastic performances saw her win Sportswoman of the Year at the AU Dinner Awards in 2022. During her second year, Marli remained focused, balancing her studies and sport. Competing for the university the medals kept coming. Marli earnt a silver medal in the BUCS Indoor Championships 60m Hurdles despite injury, and a superb gold at the BUCS Outdoor Championships 100m Hurdles. Marli’s final year at BNU produced another very successful season. Once again competed for Bucks at the BUCS Indoor Championships winning a silver medal. Marli’s dedication and discipline within her sport, her rigid training routine and substantial medal haul are just a few of the reasons she has rightfully earned her well-deserved place in the Hall of Fame.
Outstanding Contribution to University Sport
Our last award of the evening was Outstanding Contribution to University Sport which recognises exceptional contribution from a member across their time with us. The award went to Seana O’Reilly. A dedicated sportsperson, Seana started her involvement with the AU in her first year of university. Quickly establishing herself into her club, she soon became a regular and valued competitor, giving her all to ensure the clubs success. During her second year she held the role of Captain, Treasurer and Tour Chair. Later being nominated for Captain of the year. In her third year, as Chair she was the driving force in helping the club win ‘Club of the Year’ and ‘Rag Contributor’. This set the club off on a hot streak winning Club of the Year for the following 3 years. Being an Alumni hasn’t stopped her involvement with the club. Over the years stepping up as a coach, helping at trials, spotting new talent and now umpiring she always does what she can to push the Netball club to be the best it can be. As the Sports Coordinator, she was highly organised and incredibly helpful to all clubs that asked. Often going above and beyond her role, helping to organise coaching sessions in Schools, and setting up various volunteering opportunities for the clubs. She is everything that the Students Union stands for tenacious, ambitious, hardworking, and passionate, keen to represent and make sure the Netball club are presented in the best light.
A huge congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted and a big well done to all of our winners this year. We are so incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication you have shown to Bucks, and your teams this year.