This award for Outstanding Contribution is for individuals who have made contributions over an extended period of time, in all areas of sport and physical activity.
The eight individuals shortlisted will all be recognised as award winners, the awarding panel agreeing all eight shortlistees have truly gone above and beyond in support of their sport and club during their time at Cambridge.
Here's more about each of our winners:
1. Ksenija Belada – Volleyball – Peterhouse
Ksenija has been a constant presence on the Volleyball court since she arrived at the University, playing for the Women’s Blues Team (when not injured) but it also feels like she has done every role within the club as well. Ksenija can regularly be seen helping out other teams by refereeing matches, she has had multiple committee positions including being the current club President. When injured and unable to play she still consistently supported the team and was just as much a presence at the courts.
Additionally, Ksenija has consistently volunteered to run the Give it a Go sessions and has been a fantastic session leaders passing on her knowledge, encouraging and creating a brilliant atmosphere for people to try the sport. It is no surprise the sessions are fully booked and people keep coming back week after week.
2. Sam Grimshaw - Hockey Club – Girton
Dr Sam Grimshaw has been involved in CUHC for nearly a quarter of a century, with a 4 year stint as an undergrad, then another 4 years as a PhD student, before joining the senior committee some time ago. Recently he has coached the Wanderers (Men's 2nd team) on a voluntary basis for the last 3 seasons, including 2 varsity wins out of 3, both in Cambridge. Beyond that, he has been an amazing and kind person to so many of us and will definitely be sadly missed on the sidelines, as he steps away from CUHC after the birth of his first child.
He has contributed so much to CUHC, in the way it is run and organised, he is more than a coach, he is a mentor, friend and a stellar advert of how sport can bring people together.
3. Lucy Xu - Taekwondo Club – Pembroke
Beginning her Taekwondo career as a white belt in her first year, Lucy now graduates as a 2nd degree black belt, and a member of the GB national poomsae squad. Lucy has represented Cambridge at BUCS, medalling in three separate categories, poomsae, sparring and freestyle patterns, also competing in multiple varsity matches against Oxford.
She has served in a wide range of roles over her seven years in the society, including Equipment secretary, vice president, Women’s captain, and Poomsae coach, while simultaneously managing the club’s social media presence until it became an official role, which has been instrumental in encouraging the reach and visibility of the club. For the past three years she has run weekly conditioning sessions.
Lucy’s long-term commitment, athletic excellence and leadership over her degree will be missed, her contributions have strengthened the club’s competitive success, community, and public visibility.
4. Ben Rhodes - Touch Rugby Club – Jesus
Ben has been the driving force of the club for many years now, since 2022, in various roles on the committee and as coach and mixed/men’s captain this year. Even with injury difficulties he has led sessions every week, driven minibuses to BUCS tournaments, and run the social media accounts. He returned for varsity against Oxford to help us win for the 7th straight year in the men’s match!
4. Georgina Quayle - Modern Pentathlon Club & Swimming & Water Polo Club
Georgina left CUMPC 2 years ago, but has been acting as the swimming coach for CUMPC, CUTriC and CUSWPC’s Development Squad for her 3rd year now. These include 2 morning sessions and one session at the weekend. Georgina’s exceptional coaching skills mean she is able to coach 4 lanes ranging from complete beginners to experienced competitive swimmers all in one session!
With a shortage of students in the club with cars, Georgina has very kindly driven CUMPC members to obstacle course training and Varsity in Bath. Georgina has also been the Women’s team manager at Varsity for the last 2 years where she has been a great support for many members.
She has contributed to Cambridge University sport achieving Half-Blues in Swimming, Water Polo, and Modern Pentathlon, taking on CUMPC committee roles, and swim coaching.
5. Izzy Howse – Netball – Robinson
Izzy has served as captain of the netball club (CULNC), while also captaining the Blues team for the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 seasons.
In October 2023, Izzy suffered a serious ACL rupture during training. Despite this setback, she became the club captain, fully aware that it was unlikely she would play any full games that season.
Izzy has remained committed to captaining the Blues, attending nearly all training sessions, home fixtures, and away matches—many of which required extensive travel. Often on crutches, she has supported her teammates courtside for two years, offering invaluable insight.
Izzy has been instrumental in the organisation of CULNC, including coordinating the largest ever home Varsity. She never complained about her injury, she’s focused on her recovery, becoming a powerhouse in the gym (her 30-degree incline press is legendary). Every member of CULNC proudly supports her nomination and thanks her for all she has done in such challenging circumstances.
6. Izzy Winter and Jess Reeve
Following the tragic death of their dear friend Clarissa due to an undiagnosed heart condition, Jess and Izzy have brought together students to celebrate her life, raise significant funds for a heart screening programme, increase awareness of cardiac risk in the young, and inspire future research. They have worked closely with the family, and I’d like to welcome Clarissa’s Mum Hilary on to the stage to present this award.
