Our SOAR programme (Supporting Outstanding Athletes at Rangi) is a unique sports programme which provides support and guidance for student athletes who demonstrate talent, potential and determination. At the heart of SOAR is the philosophy that better people make better athletes. The focus is on empowering and challenging student athletes to become the most outstanding version of themselves in their journey through sport and ultimately life.

This year we have 16 girls who range in age from Years 10 to 13. Participants come from a variety of sporting codes including Equestrian, Ice Hockey, Cricket, Rowing, Hockey, Softball, Football, Waterpolo, Surf Lifesaving, Kayaking, Touch Rugby and Athletics. This vast array of sports allows the girls to gain insights into other sports and creates the opportunity to learn and experience different perspectives from their peers.

SOAR meet three times a term during Hui and lunchtimes. This year, two of those times are targeted towards developing leadership both on and off the sports field. The other session is allocated to guest speakers who join us to share their sporting journeys. Speakers are asked to share their stories in relation to one or more of the positive behavioural traits that underpin the programme (see below). So far this year, girls have heard from speakers who have referenced traits of authenticity in relation to leadership, resilience, curiosity, honesty and enthusiasm.

Further opportunities offered to the girls so far include:

• DISC profiles. These profiles are the only globally used DISC profiling tool that is specifically designed for Sport. Profiles allow athletes to understand the behaviours that enable them to produce their best performance for greater consistency. They receive a detailed report that explains their personal style, strengths, limiting behaviours, communication preferences and the environment they perform best in.
  
• Individual mental skills sessions
• Tailored strength and conditioning sessions
• Body Balance assessments
• Wellness monitoring
• Development of leadership philosophies
• Offering chances for girls to experience what networks in sport look like. They can do this by attending events that create heightened consciousness of issues around girls in sport such as participation, administration, governance, equity and media involvement.

We are proud of all our 2021 SOAR participants. Special mention goes to the following students (pictured) who were recognised for their sporting success at the recent School Awards Assembly:

• Eve Weston – Elite Colours for Waterpolo and Cup for Senior Swimming Champion Runner-Up
• Tessa Reid – Colours reaward for Rowing and the Nixon Cup for best erg score
• Harriet Graham – Colours re award for Cricket
• Tamsin Mills – Colours reaward for Waterpolo
• Lucy Murray – Colours, Cricket
• Hayley McKellow – Colours for Touch Rugby
• Chloe Hughes – Colours reaward for Athletics