Organised by the University Sports service, the annual ceremony brought together students, staff, alumni, and guests to recognise the exceptional contributions and successes of sports clubs, teams, and individuals across the University.
Hosted by Director of Sport Mark Brian, the awards were presented by a distinguished line-up of guests including Professor Bhaskar Vira (Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Chair of the Sports Committee), Deborah Griffin (incoming RFU President), Scott Annett (CURUFC Director of Rugby), and Senior Tutors and Committee Members Victoria Harvey and Dr Jane Greatorex. Former Sports Personality of the Year Jack Murphy returned to present one of the evening’s headline awards.
The awards shine a light on the importance of sport as part of the Cambridge experience – enhancing student wellbeing, building community, and nurturing excellence both on and off the field. The winners were selected by a panel of senior University staff, with the exception of the Sporting Moment of the Year, which was decided by public vote.
This year’s winners:
Club of the Year: Association Football Club
Team of the Year: Women’s Cross Country A Team, Hare & Hounds
Sports Person of the Year: Jan Helmich (Trinity Hall), Rowing
Unsung Hero: Emma Paterson (Gonville and Caius), Mixed Lacrosse
Sports Club Personality of the Year: Tads Ciecieski-Holmes (Wolfson), Modern Pentathlon
Sporting Moment of the Year: Men’s Volleyball Blues Varsity Set Point
Newcomer of the Year: Lauren Airey (Emmanuel), Modern Pentathlon
College Team of the Year: Downing Table Tennis
Outstanding Contribution Awards were presented to:
- Lucy Xu (Pembroke), Taekwondo
- Sam Grimshaw (Girton), Hockey
- Georgina Quayle (Homerton), Modern Pentathlon and Swimming & Water Polo
- Ben Rhodes (Jesus), Touch Rugby
- Izzy Howse (Robinson), Netball
- Ksenija Belada (Peterhouse), Volleyball
- Izzy Winter and Jess Reeve, Clarissa’s Campaign for Cambridge Hearts
A particularly moving moment came during the presentation of an Outstanding Contribution Award to Clarissa’s Campaign for Cambridge Hearts, recognising efforts by Izzy Winter and Jess Reeve to raise funds and awareness for student heart screenings. For more information on the October 2025 screenings, visit www.sport.cam.ac.uk/heart-screening.
The University extends its congratulations to all nominees and winners, and its thanks to everyone who participated in and supported the 2025 Sports Awards. The event was a testament to the passion, resilience, and camaraderie that sport brings to the Cambridge community.
To read more about all the nominees, please visit the Sports Awards page: https://www.sport.cam.ac.uk/sportsawards/sports-awards-2025
Story by: Will Galpin
Crowds cheer on the nominees and winners at the 2025 Sports Awards.
The University of Cambridge recently celebrated a remarkable year of student sporting achievement at the 2025 Cambridge University Sports Awards.
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