The annual Blues Awards took place on Wednesday 29 April 2026 at the Pump Rooms.
View the 2026 Blues Award booklet
Photos and video coming soon!
It was a fantastic evening showcasing sporting achievements from across the year and a great opportunity to celebrate the exceptional talent and dedication we have at Bath.
Sport Officer Angus proudly commented, "The Blues Awards Night is our chance to shine a light on all our athletes, coaches and volunteers and celebrate the incredible achievements that made this sporting year so special. It’s a night all about recognising excellence, sharing memories, and applauding the passion that drives our student community forward. With our sporting community growing bigger and better each year, this season has delivered plenty of standout moments and truly unforgettable achievements".
The evening opened with a drinks reception at the stunning Roman Baths, giving students the opportunity to connect, capture photos and create lasting memories before heading to the awards ceremony at the Pump Rooms.
Ribbon Award
The night began with the Ribbon Award, which is awarded to students who have consistently represented the University over a two or three year period. This was awarded to Leanne Barber, Eleanor Grange, Aelwen Haines, Emily Murray, Jane Rolls and Maisie Rose (Cheerleading), Gaia Del Prete Ferrucci and Huw Ford (Clay Pigeon Shooting), Megan Edwards and Nina Lane (Latin & Ballroom), Polly Fisher-Edwards and Ruby Porter (Netball), Will Lewis (Orienteering), Iolo Davies, Killian Magee, Emily Page and Imogen Wade (Sailing) and Pia Jaspersen, Joshua Jones and Gigi Pesch (Volleyball).
Colour Award
The Colour Award is given to students who have consistently represented the University of a two or three year period in BUCS sport. This was awarded to:
Matthew Evans, Jack Hutton, Ben Grear, Sami Martin, Ralph O’Hara and Charlie Williams (American Football), Tom Beeson, Maddie Bond, Owen Crawford, Jack Oatley, Charlie Standford and Emma Vilday (Association Football & Futsal), Madeleine Casey and Theo Cheshire (Athletics), Hugh Simpson (Badminton), Jennifer Azzi and Natthanicha Luengvoraphan (Basketball) Holly Barnfield, Benjamin Broadbent, Jessica Pinnell, Edward Spackman (Canoe), Thomas Hodges and Emma McCook (Climbing), Benjamin Allen (Cricket), Archie Heap, Alexander Hung and Reece Thomas (Cue Sports), Owen Harms and Connor Johnstone (Fencing), Natasha Aitchison, Ella Armstrong, Joseph Browbank, Kaya Campion, Harriet Carpenter, Emilia Chittenden, Ella Clarke, Lucie Crelin, Loughlin Davidson, Maya Davies, Honey Dickinson, Rebecca Forey, Cara Fraser, Sophia Gallagher, Alice Gigney, Ayla Heslop-Moore, Fflur Hill, Tom Hodges, Sean Irwin, Oliver Jameson, Molly Marshall, Christian Moody, Isabella Osborne, Faaris Rana, Abbi Sinclair, Ben Taylor, Grace Thomas, Isabella Usher, Sam Utley, Francesca Wilding, Giles Woodland and Liam Writer (Hockey), Farouk Attia, Finley Hitchings, Daniel Pigott and Aron Schmidt (Karate), Sianna Barling, Joe Beddoe, Kate Clewer, Lucy Foster, Anna Hinson, Georgia Khouri, Megan Marter, Lara Parker-Janopulos Vicki Miller, Annabel Osmond, Alice Sims, Sophie Soin and Annabel Sykes (Lacrosse), Lucy Chatwin, Sasha Kelly, Katie Millington, Camille Phipp, Katie Rolph and Emily White (Netball), Joel Taylor (Orienteering), Jodie Rodgers and Izzy Smith (Riding), Louis Bouverie, Iwan Coyle, Lucia Garcia-Sammons, Alfie Griffin, Shannon Jarratt, Olivia Lewis, Max Pearce, Nell Powell, Zara Roberts, Tom Simm, Sasha Ward and Jacob Yates (Rugby Union), Brandon Curtis, Euan Davis, Charlie Foreman, Ella Halsall, Carissa Hirt, William Lewis, Joshua Morgan and Alex Oakley (Touch Rugby), Martyna Binek, Rochelle Doel, Sean Featherstone, Nina Maudling, Ana Tonidandel and Matthew Williams (Volleyball), Aaron Horwood and Zoe Miller (Water Polo), Matthew Ackroyd, Niall Byrne and Lydia Siegert (Weightlifting & Powerlifting).
Honorary Colour awards
The Honorary Colour awards are given to students who have made a valuable contribution to the administration and development of a sport or recreation in the University or British Universities, either within a club or SU Sport as a whole. This was awarded to:
Tom Waring (Association Football and Futsal), Alex Ilioaie and Raj Patadia (Athletics), Alice Player (Dodgeball), Charlotte Coldicott, Eliza Porter and Emily White (Netball), James Robinson (Rowing), Max Covil, Lily Downes-Hall, Matt Hall, Abbie Lamb, Olly Latto, Olivia Lewis, Nell Powell, Zara Roberts, William Standford and Mollie Wilkinson (Rugby Union), Emily McManus (SU Sport Executive Committee), Shana Thurley (Touch Rugby), Pia Jaspersen, Zebedee Marsh, Gigi Pesch, Max Robins (Volleyball).
Half Blue
The Half Blue is awarded to students with junior international representation or podium finishes in BUCS while competing for a University first team. This was awarded to:
Luke Ball, Evelyne Fonteyne, Ariyanna Mcgee and Basil Rock (Athletics), Toby Dillingham (Badminton), Samuel Nisbet (Cycling), Eilidh Henderson (Golf), Evie Halvey-Jacobs and Anika Rabi (Judo), Lucy Button and Ronnie Thomas (Netball), Rebekah Court (Rowing), Isabella Townsend-Carrasco (Tennis), Rory Fulton (Touch Rugby), Tanush Reddy, Jonathan Roche, Alex Sandberg, Andre Savic, James Wainwright and Alejandro Wood (Water Polo).
Full Blues
Full Blues are awarded to students who have competed for a University 1st team for two years along with two years’ representation at international level. This was awarded to:
Ian Harris (Fencing) - Ian has been fencing from the age of 9 and has always thought of Fencing as Chess on feet. Ian has managed to keep his performance exceptional throughout his time at the University of Bath and has maintained a place on the BUCS M1 team, as well as taking on the role of captain for the past 2 academic years. In the 2023-24 season, Ian was an integral part of the team that achieved promotion to the BUCS Premier South division, and this year has led the team to an undefeated season in the league.
Outside of competing for the university Ian was selected to compete at the 2019 World Championships in Budapest and competed at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022. Competing highly for the university and being selected to compete at international events whilst maintaining his studies, shows the commitment Ian has for his sport.
Kate Haswell (Fencing) – Kate’s early success came from competing at national level in indoor and open water swimming, as well as the U17 pathway for Modern Pentathlon. Kate's passion for fencing started at a community club in her hometown of Ashbourne. As an undergraduate, Kate has balanced the varying demands of her academic studies with a disciplined approach to her fencing training program. Kate has been a key player of the Women's 1st team throughout her time at university, captaining the team in her final year. Kate's international fencing debut came as a junior in 2022 when she represented GB in epee on the European circuit competitions. She enjoyed further international success in 2024 with a Commonwealth Gold medal in the Junior Women's team epee event.
Moving into the Under 23 category during her university placement year, Kate represented GB at several U23 European qualifiers which earned her a place in the individual U23 European Epee Championships in 2025. Nationally Kate has had great success, winning bronze in the British Senior Fencing Championships in 2024. This performance was followed up the next season by a bronze medal at the BUCS individual Women's Epee in 2025. Kate is currently ranked 8th in the GB Women under 23 epee, as well as 12th in Senior Women.
Patrick McElhinney (Hockey) – During Patrick’s time at Bath, he has had to balance the demands of his Biology degree with elite sport, something that has been greatly helped by the generous alumni fund scholarship he was awarded in his third year after representing Ireland at U21 level. Before coming to the university, Patrick played in the Irish premier league for Annadale HC, making his debut at 16. Following this, Patrick won the 2021-22 interprovincial tournament in Ireland, and was subsequently selected to play for Ireland U18 in a five nations tournament in 2022, playing against Belgium and the Netherlands. That summer, he was selected to travel to Frankfurt with Ireland U21 to the eight nations tournament playing against England, Germany, Scotland, the Netherlands and Poland U21.
He represented Ulster U21 during his first year of university in the Interprovincial tournament. In his second year of university, he represented Ireland U21 in both a series against England and a home tri-nations tournament in which they finished first. He has also co-captained the university first team in his final year.
Isabella Sale (Lacrosse) - Isabella has been a member of the University of Bath Women’s 1st Lacrosse Team since her first year, demonstrating consistent commitment and performance at the highest level of university competition. In her second year, Isabella was appointed Vice-Captain of the 1st team, and in her final year, was appointed to be both Women’s Captain and Team Coach, leading the squad on and off the field.
Alongside her university commitments, Isabella has been part of the Scotland national training squad throughout her time at university. She has represented Scotland at the Under-21 level in the Home Internationals and played in two international matches against England and Wales. She was selected in the Scotland B team for Home Internationals 2025 and has gone on to compete internationally at the European Sixes Championship.
Daniella Carr (Netball) - Daniella represented the Wales U21 squad at the 2025 World Youth Cup, featuring in matches against England, Jamaica, Singapore, and Malaysia. Wales finished 10th overall after placing 3rd in their pool. She has also competed for the Netball BUCS 1st team over the past two seasons, achieving a 2nd place finish in her first year and making it to the semi-finals of the National Championships in her second year.
Alongside university netball, Daniella played in the Next Gen league in the 24/25 season, where her team finished 2nd. More recently, she has joined the Wales pathway and has been selected as a Welsh Feathers training partner for the 2025/26 season, marking her progression into the senior international environment.
Luka Haložan Bayley (Rowing) - As a rower, Luka has developed significantly over the course of his time at Bath and began training with British Rowing’s Olympic pathway program, in his second year. This is also the year that he won his first BUCS gold and secured his first international vest when he was selected to row for the Slovenian national team at the 2023 U23 European Championships. Since then, Luka has continued to represent the Slovenian national team at the 2024 U23 European Championships, where he reached the A Final and placed 6th in the quadruple sculls. Luka’s 2024-25 season has been his most successful to date, both for the University and on the international stage. At BUCS regatta, he brought home three medals, including two bronzes in the Championship quadruple sculls and Intermediate double sculls.
Following the BUCS season, Luka qualified for the Prince of Wales Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta and was subsequently selected to represent England at the 2025 Home Countries International Regatta. There, he was able to secure two further gold medals in the coxless pair and the sprint 8+. To close out the season Luka represented University of Bath internationally at the European University rowing championships 2025 where he raced in the quadruple scull and won a bronze medal.
Annie Ainscough (Touch Rugby) - Since joining the University of Bath Touch Rugby Club in 2024, Annie has been a standout member of the Hawks (1s) over two seasons. She serves as the club’s captain and coach, leading the team both on and off the pitch and dedicating significant time to running training sessions for high-performance players as well as newcomers. On the field, Annie has excelled in the BUCS League, currently ranking as the eighth top try scorer for the 2025–26 season. Her technical skill and consistency make her a key player in the squad.
Internationally, she has earned seven caps for the England Women’s Under-20s at the Youth Atlantic Cup in Limerick, Ireland, scoring a try and contributing strongly to the team’s performance. Annie’s leadership, technical ability, and commitment to developing both herself and her teammates have made her an influential figure within the Touch Rugby community.
William Burton (Touch Rugby) - Throughout his time at the University of Bath from 2022 to 2025, Will was a driving force within the Touch Rugby Club. Acting as both captain and coach, he set standards on and off the pitch and was instrumental in guiding the team through one of its most successful periods. Under his leadership, the club secured a silver medal during the 2024–25 season, alongside a further bronze medal, highlighting sustained excellence at BUCS level. Renowned for his relentless work rate in the middle, Will was a key on-field leader whose consistency and physical presence underpinned the team’s attacking structure. Partnering with Rory Grant, he formed a dominant combination, finishing as the top scoring pod at the UTC Championships and playing a decisive role in the team’s success. Will’s ability to lead, coach, and perform at a consistently high level made him central to the club’s achievements and a standout figure within the University of Bath Touch Rugby programme.
Beatrice Graham (Touch Rugby) - Since joining the University of Bath Touch Rugby Club in 2024, Beatrice has established herself as a key player for the Hawks (1s) over two seasons. She was part of the team that secured a silver
BUCS medal last year, contributing consistently to the squad’s success. On the field, Beatrice made a decisive impact during the 2025–26 season, finishing as the winning scorer for BUCS Round 3 Championships, securing the Hawks’ only Championships win of the year. Known for her powerful running and precise execution, she is a highly talented player who consistently hits hard lines and challenges the opposition.
Beyond university, Beatrice represents the South East regional squad and serves as a Try Sports ambassador, demonstrating her commitment to the wider Touch Rugby community. Her skill, physical presence, and dedication have made her a standout figure both on and off the pitch.
Rose Huguet (Touch Rugby) - Throughout her time at the University of Bath, Rose has been a consistent member of the Touch Rugby Club’s first team since 2023. She has played a key role in the squad’s success across multiple seasons, contributing to strong performances at BUCS level. During the 2023–24 season, Rose helped the team secure a bronze medal, before going on to win a silver BUCS medal in the 2024–25 season. Individually, she enjoyed an outstanding 2023– 24 campaign, scoring 19 tries to finish as the fifth highest try scorer of the season.
Beyond university, Rose has represented France at the highest level of international Touch Rugby. She competed for the France Women’s Open team at the 2024 Touch World Cup, continuing her progression from the French junior squads to senior international competition.
Annie Russell (Touch Rugby) - Throughout her time at the University of Bath, Annie has dedicated a significant amount of her energy to the Touch Rugby Club. She has served as team manager, supporting the squad both on and off the pitch. Under her guidance, the team achieved notable success, with Annie personally securing a bronze and a silver BUCS medal and finishing as the third top female try scorer in the 2024–25 season. She is also widely respected and well-loved within the Touch community for her enthusiasm, support, and positive influence.
Beyond university, Annie made her international debut in 2024, being selected as a ‘link’ for Ireland’s Opens Squad at the Touch World Cup. She earned nine caps during the tournament and contributed two tries, marking an impressive start to her international career. Remarkably, Annie balances all her sporting commitments alongside pursuing a PhD in Applied Statistics, demonstrating exceptional dedication, discipline, and time management. Her achievements both on and off the field highlight her skill, leadership, and commitment to excellence.
Danny Ticehurst (Touch Rugby) - Since joining the University of Bath in 2022, Danny has been a standout player for the Touch Rugby Club, going straight into the Hawks (1s) thanks to his extensive experience with Canterbury and the South East Taipans at a regional level. Over four seasons with the 1s, he has helped the team secure two bronze and one silver BUCS medal, consistently performing at a high level.
Internationally, Danny represented England U20s at the Youth Atlantic Cup, contributing to a gold medal-winning campaign and showcasing his skill on a larger stage. Known for being thoughtful, driven, and meticulous, Danny approaches every challenge with sharp questions and relentless refinement, balancing technical ambition with genuine self-awareness.
His dedication, skill, and character make Danny a highly respected and influential member of the University of Bath Touch Rugby community.
Alex Bradshaw (Ultimate Frisbee) - Alex began playing Ultimate Frisbee in October 2022 during Freshers’ Week, joining the club as a complete beginner. Although new to the sport, he immersed himself in training and by the end of his first year, he had earned selection to the Men’s 1st Team. The following two seasons saw him and the team take home six medals at national tournaments: two golds, two silvers, and two bronze medals. He has represented Bristol at the World Beach Club Championships in 2024, the European Club Championship in 2025, and placed 3rd at the UK National Championship in 2025.
In 2025, Alex was selected for the Great Britain Open Squad that attended the World Under-24 World Championships in Logrono, Spain. Over the season, he had 15 international caps, playing a key defensive role in Great Britain's efforts in their 10th place finish in the world. Alongside his playing development, Alex committed equal energy to strengthening the University club. Elected Co-Chair for the 2024/25 season, he focused on increasing participation and raising performance standards across squads, contributing to record engagement levels and sustained competitive success.
Georgie Jones (Ultimate Frisbee) - Georgie began playing Ultimate Frisbee in primary school and in her first tournament at age 10, won gold at U14 Girls’ Nationals. She continued competing at school through U14, U17 and U20 age groups, captaining the mixed team for 4 years across U17 and U20 divisions. During this time, Georgie also coached within the school programme, helping to grow participation in the club. Georgie has also been proud to represent Great Britain numerous times throughout her playing career so far. First in the Women's U17s European Championship in 2019 where she captained the team. Georgie represented GB in 2022 in the U20s World Championships and whilst at university as captain for GB Mixed in the World Championships in 2025.
Since joining the university, she has consistently competed at the highest level of Bath Ultimate, achieving 1 gold and 2 silver medals in her first year alone. In her second year, Georgie captained the mixed team to victory at Division 1 Mixed Indoor Regionals and Nationals, reflecting the growing competitive standard of the club. This success was sustained throughout the season, where they achieved a bronze medal at Mixed Outdoor Nationals.
Thomas Oliver (Ultimate Frisbee) - Tom has consistently performed at a high level within the GB national programme. He represented Great Britain at the World Under 24 Championships in 2023 (Nottingham) and again in 2025 (Logroño), this time as one of the captains. He was also a member of the senior training squad for the 2024 World Championships. He has competed at European Club Championship level on multiple occasions with his club, Chevron, and will compete with the club at the 2026 World Ultimate Club Championships in August 2026.
In addition to his international commitments, Tom has been a key contributor to the University of Bath’s success in BUCS and UKU university competitions in recent years. During his time at the university, the Ultimate club has secured six national titles: BUCS Men’s Indoor (22-23, 24-25, 25-26), BUCS Men’s Outdoor (22- 23), and UKU Mixed Indoor (22-23, 24-25).
Special Honarary Blue
Special Honorary Blue is awarded to any person who has qualified to represent their country at an Olympic or Paralympic Games, and either used the University of Bath as their training base during the year/years prior to the 2026 games and/or are University alumni. This was awarded to:
Milano Cortina 2026 – Ashleigh Nelson (Bobsleigh)
The Gethin John Bevan Club Member of the Year
The Gethin John Bevan Club Member of the Year acknowledges that SU Sports clubs would not function without a substantial input from student volunteers. This year’s winner was:
Farouk Attia
Farouk currently serves as Chair of the Karate club. Stepping into the position with such a strong legacy, he has demonstrated confidence, dedication, and a clear commitment to continuing the club's high standards. He has played a central role in organising competitions, coordinating seminars with external instructors, and expanding participation opportunities for members. Through his leadership, they have helped ensure the club remains competitive, inclusive, and sustainable for future members.
The SU Sport Volunteer Coach of the Year
The SU Sport Volunteer Coach of the Year recognises the significant impact to sport made through coaching by student volunteers. It recognises that such volunteers give a substantial amount of time to improve the coaching provisions within their clubs. This year’s award recognised:
Jonny Gough
Jonny has excelled at coaching throughout his four years at the university, having started coaching only five weeks into his first year. He has laid the groundwork for student volunteer coaching standards in karate for the years to come after his graduation this summer.
The David VandeLinde Prize
The David VandeLinde Prize recognises sporting accomplishment, leadership and academic success. This year’s winner was:
Fraser McEvoy
Fraser has contributed to rugby at the University of Bath both as a BUCS athlete and as a transformational club leader. After representing the club for three years in BUCS competition competing at performance level while balancing the academic demands of his Biomedical Science degree, injuries led him to transition into full-time leadership, serving as Treasurer and then Chairman this year.
The Martyn Hedges Award
The Martyn Hedges Award is the highest accolade that is awarded by the University of Bath Blues Committee and the recipient must have demonstrated more than simply aptitude at a given sport. It is presented in memory of the original Sports Scholar at Bath, Martyn Hedges, who was an exceptionally talented Canoeist at the University from 1976 to 1982. His list of achievements is remarkable yet does not reflect his value to the University. He was totally dedicated to the Canoe Club, even following his graduation. He was selected to represent Great Britain at the Barcelona Olympics but was tragically killed in a car accident shortly before departure. This award is made to those who have made a significant contribution to furthering the progress of others within their sport over a period of time. They will have excellent knowledge of their sport and will probably have reached a recognised level as a player or coach. It recognises outstanding individuals whose commitment and enthusiasm has been exceptional. This year’s winner is:
Christian Moody
Christian who over the course of his four years at university, there seems to be no stone within the Hockey club that they have left unturned. From a playing perspective they started in the Men’s second team winning promotion before moving up to the first team. As well as coaching the Women’s first team, their contribution to the club through committee roles has been second to none, serving as both secretary and chair during their time at Bath.
The BUCS Team Performance of the Year Award
The BUCS Team Performance of the Year Award is open to any team in any BUCS sport and recognises the achievement of a team over the course of a season or within a one-off fixture.
Men’s Rugby Union 3rd Team – 1st Place
This season the team have enjoyed a remarkable season. After earning promotion into a new division last summer, they began the campaign with high spirits and determination, and they did not disappoint. They ended the season completing the double, winning the Men’s Premier South 2 division and the Men’s National Trophy at Big BUCS Wednesday.
Athletics Indoor Championship Team – 2nd Place
The Athletics club has grown consistently over the last four years to its largest ever team, and this year has seen the strongest set of talented athletes in recent years who achieved their highest finishing position at BUCS Nationals, with the Men's and Women's teams placing third overall.
Women’s Netball 2nd Team – 3rd Place
The team enjoyed an exceptional and highly successful season, winning their league in convincing fashion and remaining undefeated throughout the campaign. Their consistent performances reflect not only their technical ability and tactical discipline, but also their resilience, professionalism, and commitment as a squad.
The BUCS Individual Performance of the Year Award
The BUCS Individual Performance of the Year Award is open to any individual competing in a BUCS tournament sport and recognises the achievement of that individual over the course of a season or within a one-off competition.
Isaac Skinner-Kakitie – Athletics – 1st Place
Isaac is an economics student in his second year at the University of Bath. Isaac has worked incredibly hard at the club’s recreational sprint sessions which led him to achieve a BUCS bronze in the 60m at BUCS Nationals this year. This placed him in a group all by himself as the only athlete in the university’s history to train with a recreational group and go onto achieve a medal at BUCS.
Isaac’s determination and commitment led him to this performance and achieve a podium finish. This season he has worked tremendously hard during countless sessions, whilst seeking and taking on any advice past down to him from his coaches and teammates.
The Club of the Year award
The Club of the Year award recognises the success and substantial achievements clubs can attain when they function effectively as a whole. For the first time, the award this year was presented with a cash prize- 1st place was awarded £1000, 2nd place was awarded £500 and 3rd place was awarded £250.
Athletics Club – 1st Place
This club has demonstrated consistent improvement across the last two years. The club has grown by over a third to their largest ever membership due to the hard work of successive committees. Whilst this year has seen many impressive results on the track, away from competitive events, the club has engaged with members offering a variety of different events and opportunities.
Rugby Union Club – 2nd Place
This is a club that has delivered their most ambitious and successful year in its history, defined by record participation, elite performance and nationally recognised impact both on and off the pitch. With over 400 members across nine men’s squads and two women’s squads, the rugby club operates one of the largest student rugby programmes in the country.
Netball Club – 3rd Place
The Netball Club who this year have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment throughout the academic year. With over 350 registered members and more than 150 recreational participants, the club has achieved record levels of engagement, reflecting its inclusive culture, strong leadership, and effective communication structures. This shows in the clubs outstanding commitment to community engagement and student wellbeing.
Sports Personality of the Year
Sports Personality of the Year is an award that recognises a student who has contributed significantly to student sport during their time at University, and encapsulates the spirit of University sport. ‘Positive contribution’ may take many forms, including performance, service, and participation. Candidates may have achieved outstanding levels of performance, represented the University in a number of sports, or had significant input into a team, both on and off the pitch. This was awarded to Sophie Kelly - Netball!