Esmé Lawson, Christ’s, CU Dance Competition Team
Esmé Lawson has been extremely successful in her first year on the Cambridge University Dance Competition Team (CUDCT) and has already become an invaluable member. She competed in three styles, including ballet which placed 2nd at Leeds competition, and showcased her impressive technique dancing en pointe. She was also part of the contemporary team which won Varsity and two national competitions, including the UK’s largest university dance competition at Loughborough. Esmé’s dedication and determination are outstanding, demonstrated when she continued to dance at Loughborough despite having unknowingly broken her foot, helping the contemporary team win their category. Her performance, strength and commitment helped CUDCT’s overall successes of winning Varsity and highest scoring university at Leeds. Esmé was recently elected to be co-captain for the 2026/7 season, showing how quickly she has become an integral part of the team and why she deserves to win newcomer of the year.
Harry Weston, St Edmund’s, CU Modern Pentathlon Club
Harry started pentathlon this year coming from a rowing background having previously swam competitively during his undergraduate degree. He has regularly attended training all year and has helped out coaching less experienced swimmers, especially teaching them how to tumble turn. Harry learned four of the sports from beginner level and picked them up very quickly, often shooting at the same speed as some who have been doing pentathlon for many years. He placed 3rd at BUCS and Varsity and 10th in the senior category at the Pentathlon GB National Ranking competition (against athletes from the German and GB national teams!). He also achieved the Full Blue score – an incredible achievement in his first year of pentathlon training.
Harry is always happy to help out and has very kindly driven the pentathlon team to multiple competitions in Bath and obstacle course training in Basildon as well as cooking great food. He has also helped with the challenging task of fixing the epees before Varsity.
India Rogers, Hughes Hall, CU Equestrian Club
India has had an outstanding debut season, becoming a core part of the Equestrian Blues Team and playing a decisive role in Cambridge qualifying for BUCS Nationals. She placed 2nd twice in Pool matches, represented the University at four competitions, and contributed directly to two Pool wins and victory at the BUCS Regional Finals. Fitting seamlessly into the club, she has brought energy, positivity, and strong results in a highly competitive year, taking to the BUCS format with ease and uplifting everyone around her. Achieving Full Blues criteria in a single season, she has proven her selection was absolutely right, and the team is excited to see what she delivers at Varsity and Nationals.
Katy Wong, Pembroke, CU Mountaineering Club
Katy has had an amazing year, joining the team as a Fresher to take the top spot on the women’s side. She has won all 4 rounds of the London University Bouldering event, and took the overall title for the league, against 75+ women. She also placed 3rd at BUCS nationals (in a field of over 200), being part of the Cambridge Women’s team who took silver in the team results. Katy also retained her spot on the Hong Kong national lead climbing team, winning the lead trials.
Max Millstine, Queens’, CU Ice Hockey Club
Max Millstine has had an immediate impact on CUIHC and shown us that the club is in good hands for the years ahead. Max played the highest level of youth ice hockey in the USA, even facing shots from current professional players. It was no surprise that when he arrived in Cambridge he was an immediate standout, proving throughout the season that he is the best goaltender playing university-level ice hockey in the UK. He demonstrated this by having the highest save percentage in the country and being selected as a goalie for the league-wide ‘International All-Stars’. And Max’s on-ice dominance is only one reason why he is the perfect candidate for ‘Newcomer of the Year’-he will also be taking over as co-president of the club next year, ensuring the club and all its teams operate smoothly. For both his on-ice and off-ice contributions, we strongly recommend Max Millstine for this award.
