We were delighted to host the 2025 Sports Awards on Wednesday 17 September, with an evening dedicated to celebrating the incredible depth of talent and commitment across our Marsden sporting community.
Our guest speaker, alumnae Emma Humphries, inspired students with reflections on confidence, adaptability, and what makes Kiwi athletes unique. “In New Zealand, with our smaller population, we learn to do a bit of everything,” she said. “That Kiwi mentality of ‘get it done, whatever it takes’ has been one of my greatest assets.” Emma shared about her football journey, from New Zealand representative to high performance coach.
Guest Speaker, Emma Humphries
Head of Sport Asha Todd shared the challenges and triumphs of balancing sport with school life. “One lesson sport has taught me is that setbacks aren’t failures — they’re opportunities to adapt and grow,” she reflected. “Every training session, every game, every moment you push through builds skills that stay with you long after the final whistle. Being part of a team isn’t just about what you do on the court, but also about how you support others when you’re off it. Coaches, parents, and sports staff all play a vital role in helping athletes grow, learn resilience, and enjoy the journey.”
Deputy Head of Sport Thea Olney-Boyd spoke about growth and perspective through sport. Reflecting on her own sporting journey, she shared: “When results didn’t go my way, I learned to measure progress by my effort, my growth, and how I supported my teammates — not just the scoreboard.”
Asha Todd (Head of Sport), Rosie Kirkpatrick (Director of Sport) and Thea Olney-Boyd (Deputy Head of Sport)
The evening also highlighted the strong commitment to sport at Marsden, with a participation rate of 83%, far higher than the Wellington average. Principal Paula Wells closed the night by noting that “the most compelling reason young women stay in sport is simple: enjoyment. If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: let’s celebrate joy.”
A huge congratulations to all of our winners. In particular:
- Weston Cup for Sportsperson of the Year – Kya Solomon
- Most Promising Sportsperson – Tapuitea Matatia
- Team of the Year – Rowing U17 2- and 2x
- All Rounder of the Year – Molly Shallcrass
- Coach of the Year – Foy Kerkin & Colette Mackenzie
- Volunteer of the Year – Lizzie Brow
Team of the Year – Rowing 2: Charlie & Imogen
Our Sportsperson of the Year, Kya Solomon, has had a remarkable season in football, earning New Zealand representative honours while also excelling across school sport. Meanwhile, Most Promising Sportsperson went to Tapuitea Matatia, who has already represented Samoa in basketball and looks set for a very bright future. Both were unable to attend the awards as they were away representing their national teams.
Special recognition also goes to the Junior A Underwater Hockey Team, who dominated the Wellington Regional competition and went on to claim first place at the Underwater Hockey Nationals. Along with receiving Honours Bars, they were proudly presented with the Sealy Bowl for Junior Team of the Year 2025.
The 2025 Sports Awards acknowledged the breadth of achievement at Marsden, from junior students stepping into their sports for the first time, to senior athletes competing at national and international levels, to social teams who bring energy and camaraderie across the school. The evening also celebrated the dedication of volunteers and coaches, whose guidance and support make all of these achievements possible.
Congratulations once again to all our award winners and nominees.
