Sporting Caps awarded
Caitlin Foote (Year 12) has been involved in St Paul’s Collegiate Girls' Water Polo Team since 2023, playing more than 40 games for the girls' team. She is an exceptional water polo player known for her attacking skills. Caitlin’s ability to consistently find the back of the net, coupled with her strategic playmaking and powerful shots, make her an asset to the team. Caitlin played a crucial role in securing the team's first-place finish in the New Zealand Secondary School's Division 2 Plate Finals in both 2023 and 2024.
Emily Steel (Year 12)has been in the St Paul’s Collegiate Girls' Water Polo Team Team since 2023, playing more than 40 games. Emily is an outstanding water polo goalie known for her exceptional reflexes, quick decision-making, and composure under pressure. Her ability to anticipate opponents' moves and make crucial saves has been instrumental in the team's success. Emily has played a pivotal role in the success of the team at the National Secondary School level.
Charlie Etherington (Year 12) has been in the St Paul’s Senior Boys' Water Polo Team since he was in Year 9 and has played well more than 50 games for the team. Charlie is an invaluable player known for his exceptional performance in both attack and defense. His ability to score goals, combined with his defensive skills and fitness, makes him a well-rounded player. Beyond this, Charlie also plays a key role by assisting with coaching. His dedication to mentoring younger players and sharing his tactical knowledge has greatly benefited others. Charlie is a deserved recipient of his water polo cap.
Mathew Verry (Year 13) has been in the First XI Hockey Boys' Hockey Team since 2023. He is a striker who has grown in confidence during the last season and a half. He positions himself well in the attacking circle and often scores crucial goals with simple tap-ins. Additionally, he has a powerful forehand shot that many opposition goalkeepers have a hard time stopping. Mathew will play an important role in the success of the First XI Hockey at the tournament this year, where the team aims to achieve promotion back into the Rankin Cup tournament.
Edward Buckley (Year 13) has been a member of the First XI Hockey Team for one and a half seasons. He is a key element in the team's defensive line as a pressing striker. His ability to position himself to shut down the opposition's options is valuable. Edward also offers a lot in attack; his low, strong body position in the circle brings him plenty of goal-scoring chances, of which he converts many. He brings a lot to the culture of the team and is a deserved recipient of his hockey cap.
Riley Binnie (Year 12) has been a valuable member of the St Paul's Collegiate School First XI Football Team since Year 10. He has the ability to play with different ranges of distribution, assisting his peers with goals, paired with defensive prowess, and even occasionally he scores himself. Riley was a part of the group that achieved 7th in the country and will be looking to do better this year at winter nationals.
Jamie Kenny (Year 13) made his debut for the First XI Football Team in Year 11. He has proved himself as a regular starter for the group with his attacking creativity and dribbling flair, which regularly puts the opposition on edge and holding off. Although quiet on the pitch, Jamie displays composure and maturity at key times. Jamie was also a part of the group that achieved 7th in the country.
Zachary Nation (Year 13) brings his explosive acceleration and the ability to beat players one-on-one with pace in the First XI Boys' Football Team. He is a tough defender, often squeezing the opposition to the side when there is a breakaway. Zach is another player who was involved with the group that came 7th in the country and is looking to improve that this year.
Ollie Robertson (Year 13) has been an integral part of St Paul's Collegiate School First XI Football Team over the past four years and was also selected as a Year 10. He is an excellent leader who consistently displays the principles of the school and team. His commitment, unwavering focus and experience have led to him to be a part of campaigns that achieved 4th and 7th at nationals, as well as knockout cup champions. His defensive abilities and work rate shine bright amongst the team. He is a key player and leader for the team.