We were pleased to host the 2026 Sports Awards on Thursday 24 September, with an evening dedicated to celebrating the success of our players, coaches and supporters across our Marsden sporting community.
Guest speaker, Marsden alumna and current Black Sticks goalkeeper, Julia Gluyas, authentically shared her experiences of high-performance sport on an international stage. Gluyas, who attended university in the United States on a hockey scholarship before progressing to the highest level of the sport and earning her place in the Black Sticks, delivered a powerful message on reframing failure. “Mistakes are not proof that you’re not good enough; they’re information,” she explained, reminding students that “one mistake never defines your career, and one opinion from another person never defines what you are capable of becoming.”
Alyssa Bai (Sportsperson of the Year 2026) & Guest Speaker, Julia Gluyas
Head of Sport Bay Johnson shared the valuable lessons she’s learnt as a Marsden athlete, with a focus on resilience, unity, and self-advocacy. She reminded younger students that "the crest on the front of your shirt is always more important than the surname on the back" and shared her coach's advice that "the world opens up to girls that ask." After celebrating the dedication of her Year 13 peers, she left those pursuing sport beyond school with encouraging words from her late grandad: "You have been a big fish in a small pond, now you are going to be a small fish in a big pond, but the good news is that you have so much room to swim."
Deputy Head of Sport Yasmin Rodda spoke about connection and community through sport. She emphasised that the true heart of the programme lies in relationships rather than competitive success, sharing, "When I think about Marsden sport, I don't just think about the trophies, the goals, the medals or the results. I think about the people."
Julia Gluyas (Guest Speaker), Bay Johnson (Head of Sport), Yasmin Rodda (Deputy Head of Sport) and Paula Wells (Principal)
Sport continues to be a strong part of life at Marsden, with 85% of students taking part this year, well above the Wellington average of 58%. Principal Paula Wells acknowledged the dedicated coaches, managers, staff and students behind this achievement, noting that “you make Marsden Sport what it is today.”
A huge congratulations to all of our winners. In particular:
- Weston Cup for Sportsperson of the Year – Alyssa Bai
- Most Promising Sportsperson – Eden Fagalilo
- Team of the Year – Rowing Pair: Charlie Fitzgerald and Imogen Hille
- All Rounder of the Year – Tapuitea Matatia
- Coach of the Year – Sarah Molisa
- Volunteer of the Year – Sarah Brown
2026 Cup Winners
Our Sportsperson of the Year, Alyssa Bai, delivered an incredible performance at the New Zealand Secondary School Swimming Championships earlier this year. Alyssa claimed three gold medals to become a triple national titleholder, an outstanding achievement in a competition which welcomed over 600 of New Zealand’s top competitors. Meanwhile, Most Promising Sportsperson was awarded to Eden Fagalilo following a remarkable sporting season. Alongside breaking the provincial age-group Long Jump record and claiming top spots at the North Island Colgate Games, Eden’s impressive versatility also earned her Wellington representative selections across three sports: basketball, rugby league, and rugby union.
In addition to honouring our athletes, the evening marked an exciting new chapter with the introduction of Marsden’s incoming Sports Director, Emily Dine. We were equally privileged to welcome back former Director, Rosie Kirkpatrick, who joined us to present awards. Having both leaders present created a meaningful handover moment, allowing the community to express gratitude for Rosie's outstanding contribution to Marsden Sport as she embarks on her new role at Hutt Valley High School, while warmly welcoming Emily to Marsden.
Jess Gill (Sports Coordinator), Rosie Kirkpatrick (Former Director of Sport) and Emily Dine (Incoming Director of Sport)
The 2026 Sports Awards celebrated the diversity and success across sporting events at Marsden, recognising the variety of sporting achievements, from social participation to competitive leagues right through to national titles.
Congratulations once again to all our award winners and nominees on their achievements this year.
See the full list of award winners here.