Hockeyroo and Olympian Renee Taylor spoke to our girls about resilience, perseverance and being the best 'you' you can be at our annual Senior School Celebration of Sport at the Armidale Golf Club. 

Ms Taylor brought her Aunt (and PLCA alumna) Debbie Wark along to the evening, which started with a set by our PLC Armidale Jazz Band and ended with a whip-cracking display by our 2024 Sports Captain - Georgia Whibley! 

Participation in sports is not compulsory at our College - but our girls' participation rate is well above the national average. The range of sports enjoyed and sportsmanship displayed by our girls is commendable, and the camaraderie and genuine joy shared with the award winners during the evening was a testament to that. 

Congratulations to all recipients and to our Head of Sport, Mrs Lucy Donaldson, and Mr Andrew Patrick, for all they have done for our girls this year.

Year 12 Team Sport Awards 

PLC 1 Soccer

Best and fairest - Isabel Freeman 

Most Improved - Matilda Almond 

Coaches Award - Kaitlin Mungall

PLC 3 Netball 

Most Improved - Sienna Dellow - not attending

Coaches Award  - Ava Hippisley - not attending

PLC 1 Hockey 

Best and fairest - Jenna Marquardt

The Reeve Cup went to Jenna Marquardt for her dedication and consistent effort to PLC Armidale Hockey:

Jenna’s presence on the field is a testament to hard work, dedication, and consistent positivity and  commitment to teamwork. She showcased leadership and collaboration qualities, contributing positively to the standards of PLC Armidale Hockey. Her dedication and passion for hockey is evident in every practice and game, making her an invaluable member of her team. Jenna has been part of the representative IGSA hockey teams for all of her secondary years.

The Lawton Trophy was awared to  two remarkable students, Lucy Young and Charlotte Baker, for their dedication and consistent effort to PLC Armidale Netball:       

Both Charlotte and Lucy  have shown extraordinary dedication and consistent effort in netball. Each of them, in their own right, have demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and leadership. Their combined efforts have been instrumental in elevating their team's performance, making them both integral members of our netball community. Both girls have been long standing members of our representative IGSA netball teams, Lucy since year 7 and Charlotte since year 8. 

The Mullen Award: (Soccer) was awarded to Maddison Mitchell, who made the most consistent effort throughout the year:

Maddie has set a remarkable standard of consistency and effort. She has shown dedication to the sport, continuously striving for excellence in every match and practice session. Her persistent efforts and skillful play have not only advanced her own abilities but have also positively influenced her team and younger members. 

The Youman Shield went to Poppy McLaren for her dedication and commitment to training and the encouragement and development of team spirit in swimming.

Poppy has shown strong performance and has actively encouraged team spirit. She shows commitment to training and supports and uplifts her peers and younger members. Poppy has been volunteering with the water confidence swimming program with the Ezidi women each Thursday at the Sport UNE pool. Not only is she teaching swimming, she is also building relationships  with these young women in the community. She has been fantastic.

The Athletics and Cross Country Cup was awarded to Olive McFarlane

Olive has not only excelled in Athletics and Cross Country but has also set a high bar of achievement at PLC Armidale. Her outstanding performance this year, earning her the title of age champion in both disciplines, is a testament to her dedication. Her representation of PLC Armidale in Athletics and Cross Country, coupled with her selection to represent IGSA at the CIS Cross Country carnival, underscores her exceptional talent and commitment. 

The Equestrian Shield was awarded to Lilly Meredith for her outstanding accomplishments and her significant contribution to the equestrian success of our school.

Lilly has demonstrated not just skill and grace, but also a commitment to excellence. She represented PLC at the North West Equestrian Expo at Coonabarabran receiving the Reserve championship sporting and Reserve champion rider for 13 year olds. At the Inter Schools Horse Expo in Tamworth, she competed in roughly 17 events and received places in nearly all of these, most notably as the  Champion team of fours in a mixed team and Champion sporting overall. 

She has competed at the Australian Stockhorse Youth National Show where she gained some exceptional results including Reserve champion high point score 13-15yo and Reserve champion working horse under 21y. She also competed at the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft And Rodeo Association (ABCRA) where she won the Deborah Patterson Memorial Supreme champion stock rider. 

The Tom Award was presented to Ellen Marsden in recognition of her loyalty, reliability, dependability, leadership, quiet persistence and achievement in sport at PLC Armidale.

Ellen has distinguished herself through a blend of loyalty, reliability, and quiet persistence. She embodies the true spirit of leadership and dependability, consistently demonstrating these traits in every aspect of her sporting endeavours. Ellen is without fail there at every training ahead of time, and there to support her teammates even if she was unwell or injured. This demonstrated her dependability and her character in the way she goes above and beyond.

Amelia Webb was named as Student Coach of the Year, acknowledging the time and effort applied by her to develop the skills of the younger members of PLC Armidale:

Amelia has dedicated significant time and effort to nurturing the abilities of our younger athletes, showcasing not just her skill in coaching but also her genuine commitment to their development. Her guidance has been instrumental in fostering a strong foundation of skills and sportsmanship among our younger members. Amelia has coached Junior School teams throughout the whole year in both indoor hockey and field hockey. It is no easy task coaching U8s and she has done an admirable job.

Georgia Whibley  was presented with the Spirit in Sport Award for her all-round participation in a wide range of sporting areas at PLC Armidale whilst displaying a high level of sportsmanship and encouragement.   

Georgia truly embodies the 'Spirit in Sport' at PLC Armidale. Her involvement in a broad spectrum of sporting activities is marked not only by participation but also by her exceptional level of sportsmanship and unwavering encouragement of her peers telling them to just ‘have a crack’. Georgia’s presence in various sports has been a source of positivity, uplifting the spirit of every team she is part of. She just loves to give everything a ‘red hot go’!

The Most Improved Team of the Year went to the PLC Junior Representative Netball Team

Congratulations: Rachel Mungall, Kyanna Ping-Kee, Ash Sharpe, Chloe Younghusband, Mylee Yu, Charlotte Thomas, Jasmine Deiri, Issy Macrae, Sophia Marchant, Sharni Webb, Evie McGinness, 

This team has shown remarkable growth and development over the course of the season. They began their journey with challenges, yet through effort, belief, and trust, they transformed into a cohesive unit. They showed resilience and teamwork, where each player supported and encouraged the other, often surprising themselves with their progress. Their ability to rally and push for that extra bit of effort in every game and practice exemplifies the spirit of improvement and camaraderie. 

Junior Team of the Year – Sisson Shield went to the PLC Junior Representative Hockey Team for being the most successful junior sporting team at PLC Armidale in 2023.

A strong and cohesive team that went from strength to strength in 2023. They made the finals of the local Hockey New England competition and clinched the Division 2 IGSA grand final (consecutively for the second year.)

Congratulations: Steph Blake, Ella Jenkins, Ava Notley, Mary Ugwuba, Mila Vanzella, Annie Wake, Amelia Webb, Mem Lay, Alana Marshall, Lily Donaldson, Nylah Webb, Evie Matthews and Camilla Grills

The Senior Team of the Year was awarded to the PLC 1 Representative Hockey Team as the most successful senior sporting team at PLC Armidale in 2023.

A relatively young ‘firsts’ team who embraced the challenges and opportunities that they got in 2023. They made the finals of the Senior IGSA competition (Div 2)  in Sydney where they were narrowly defeated in the semi-finals. That controversial ‘disallowed’ goal will be forever remembered!

Congratulations: Jenna Marquardt, Sammy Mazzei, Piper Starr, Tilly Almond, Bel Freeman, Ellen Marsden, Ellie Woods, Georgia Whibley, Sophia Vanzella, Anna Grills, Macey Wake and Elsie Wake 

The Australian Olympic Change-Maker Award went to both Jenna Marquardt and Mia Montgomery in recognition of their demonstration of the Olympic Spirit through leadership and driving positive change in the community.

These awards celebrate students who have not only embraced the Olympic Spirit but have also become catalysts for positive change within our community. These students exemplify this spirit through their excellent leadership and commitment to making a meaningful impact. Their initiatives and actions have inspired others and driven significant positive change, reflecting the true essence of what it means to be a leader. 

The Year 7 Rookie Award went to  Year 7 student Evie Matthews for her consistent performances across a wide variety of sports.  

As we celebrate the achievements of our youngest athletes, Evie stands out for her versatility and consistency in sports. In her first year at PLC Armidale, she has already shown remarkable talent and dedication across multiple sporting disciplines including swimming, athletics, cross country, hockey, rugby, touch footy and futsal - WOW! She represented PLC in local competitions and also in our representative teams in the IGSA competitions for swimming, athletics, cross country and hockey. She has most recently been selected in Rugby NSW Waratah Under 14’s Academy Squad. Her ability to adapt and excel in a variety of sports is a testament to her have ability and commitment.

The Supporters Award was presented to Kathy and Paul Marquardt acknowledging the interest displayed in PLC Armidale Sport through their attendance, support and encouragement at various sporting events and their long-standing support and the positive impact they've had.

Over many years, Kathy and Paul have been a constant figure at sporting events, not just in Armidale but also in Sydney and wherever their support was needed. Their active support from the sidelines, cheering for PLC in different sports, lending a hand in coaching, and contributing to volunteer activities like organising barbecues for local competitions, has been immensely appreciated. Their commitment extends beyond mere attendance; they have become an integral part of the sporting fabric of our school and we thank them very much.

The Service to Sport Award was presented to Emma Young for the invaluable contribution she has made to sport at PLC Armidale.

Emma is recognised for her significant and often behind-the-scenes contributions made to our sporting community. She stands out as a remarkable individual whose dedication extends far beyond the sporting sidelines. Her presence is marked by a constant smile, encouraging words, and a readiness to offer support and positivity in every situation. Stepping in wherever needed to help with the running of teams, scoring and organising social get- togethers. Her efforts have created a nurturing and positive environment for all involved. 

The Years 7-9 Sportsmanship Award went to Ella Jenkins,  who consistently goes to training, gives their best, supports and respects the coach, referee or other player, and gives their all.

Ella has set a shining example of what true sportsmanship is all about. She has consistently demonstrated commitment to training and games and done it with the biggest smile on her face. Even though she is a very gifted athlete she doesn’t take herself seriously and is very humble in her abilities. Ella has also coached a younger PLC team this year and is always more than  happy to help out with anything asked of her. Her unwavering support and positive attitude on and off the field have made her a very worthy recipient of this award. 

The Years 10-12 Sportsmanship Award went to Holly Sheedy, a senior student who consistently goes to training, gives her best,  supports and respects the coach, referee or other players, and gives her all.

Holly has exemplified the highest ideals of sportsmanship and commitment. She has consistently been a model of dedication, not only by regularly attending training and giving her best but also through her unwavering support and respect for coaches, umpires, and her fellow players. She receives this award In recognition of her exceptional sportsmanship, dedication, and outstanding contribution to our senior sports community.

The Junior Sports Shield was awarded to Stephanie Blake in acknowledgement of her all-round achievement and contribution to sport at PLC Armidale:

Stephanie has distinguished herself with remarkable all-round achievements and contributions. She has demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and versatility across various sports disciplines, including athletics, swimming and hockey. Her participation and achievements have not only highlighted her athletic prowess but have also significantly contributed to the spirit and success of our sports programs. She has contributed much of her time to assist with umpiring for PLC Armidale and is always eager to expand her skills and assist others. 

The Senior Sports Shield was awarded to Lucy Young for her all-round achievement and contribution to sport at PLC Armidale:

Lucy has been an excellent all-round athlete, displaying exceptional skill, commitment, and versatility in various sports, including netball, basketball, volleyball and football and having a near-perfect attendance rate at strength and conditioning sessions. Lucy generously volunteers her time, regularly umpiring in the local netball competition. Her involvement has not only led to personal accolades but has also played an important role in enhancing the overall spirit and success of our sports teams.  

The Junior Sportsperson was given to  Sophie Bailey in recognition of her achievement outside the school's pathway. Sophie's dedication and persistence are credible and are definitely paying off. 

Sophie has shown exceptional grit and grace in her chosen sport. Her achievements in this sport, characterised by skill, perseverance, and a competitive spirit, have brought her personal success and have also served as an inspiration to her peers (and teachers!).  She has many notable achievements at a Regional and State level, including being selected in the North West Tennis Regional Development Performance Squad 2023; Selection for Bluewall High Performance Squad Camps in Sydney  -  Invitation only; Selected as one of two 15U girls to represent North West in the Regional State League Events; she was the U16 Girl’s winner of the Northern Foundation tennis event which qualified her to attend the NSW State Champion of Champions Tennis Event in Sydney at the end of November which bring together the best players from across the state……..She went into this event as the 4th seeded player. And Sophie won the U16 NSW Champion of Champions Tennis Event making her the U16 NSW Champion ( off the back of her epic four-week Explore Serve Journey experience).

The Senior Sportsperson Award went to Mia Montgomery as a testament to her extraordinary individual achievements in senior Touch Football, Rugby Union and Rugby League.  She was the players player for the Tamworth Titans under 18s touch football team at the Junior State Cup; she represented Central North in the Under 18s 15-a-side rugby union state & country championships in Parramatta; she played for the NSWCIS U18s rugby league team in the played at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League National Championship. She was also selected in the NSWCIS 7 aside Rugby Union team but unfortunately couldn’t play due to other commitments. She has led rugby at PLC Armidale as captain and encouraged many students to get involved. 

The Most Outstanding Individual Sporting Achievement went to Stephanie Blake, recognising her outstanding sporting achievement and contribution to sporting excellence at our school.

Demonstrating exceptional talent, a relentless work ethic, and remarkable accomplishments in her sporting discipline, Steph exemplifies dedication to excellence. Her journey from PLC Armidale Carnivals to IGSA (Independent Girls Schools Association) Carnivals, then to CIS (Combined Independent Schools) carnivals, and ultimately to the prestigious NSW All Schools Carnivals is a testament to her relentless commitment and self-motivation.

At the NSW All Schools Carnival, she secured second place in the U14s 400m athletics event, a result that propelled her to compete at the All School National Athletics Championships in Perth. This outstanding achievement not only underscores her personal dedication but also sets a high standard for sporting excellence.