5 minute read
Sports captains - A winning formula
It has been said that leadership is an action, not a position and it is this attitude that our heads of sports look for when selecting a student to become captain for the season. The students are usually in the Upper Sixth and although the position varies across sports, the values, traits and actions of those selected are consistent.
Sports captains are great communicators and support their teammates to bring the best out in them. They’re passionate about their sport and have ambition for themselves and the team and the example they set off the field, is as important as the one they set on it.
Jack Mann - HOCKEY
Jack exemplifies the core values of the first team: dedication through hard work, enthusiasm for the game, and a commitment to respect for all involved. Jack is passionate about hockey, is ambitious for himself and others, and sets the standard for work ethic in training.
As a highly skilled drag flicker, Jack has committed to coaching younger players one-to-one in this scoring technique and has been a huge influence in improving this skill across the school. Jack has also learned how to communicate effectively with every member of the team and motivate them to perform to the best of their ability.
Nick Giles, Head of Hockey
Ollie Falero CRICKET
Ollie embodies everything a school sports captain should be. He is a talented middle-order batsman and a role model who carries himself both on the pitch and around school to the very highest standards. He is very generous with his time, despite being in his final year, and attends the U15 winter training sessions, often taking a lead role in working with our younger batters. This not only sets a great example but also exposes younger players to what a 1st XI player looks like.
Unlike other sports, in Ollie’s role as cricket captain, he is in charge of making the tactical decisions on the field of play, with very little input from the coach. The ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment and make difficult decisions under pressure, which may upset his teammates, will teach Ollie some valuable lessons this year.
Steve Richards, Head of Cricket
Lucas Friday RUGBY
Lucas is a leader on the field. He is hugely passionate yet composed and has a great understanding of the game. More importantly, Lucas is a role model off the field; he works hard in the classroom and sets high personal standards for himself and others. He is empathetic and supports others when they need it. Lucas has helped coach the U14 rugby team during this season’s cup run and is always looking to help others develop their skills. Despite being injured for much of this season, Lucas has shown incredible commitment to the team and the sport within school.
Generally, for rugby captains, being a natural leader, a positive influence on the team and representing the sport and school are more important than students’ performance on the pitch.
Paul Roberts, Head of Rugby
Lauren Baldwin NETBALL
Lauren is our talismanic netball captain and plays for Surrey Storm on the England Performance Pathway. She is the ultimate leader on the court and always gives more than 100% in every game. Her position at Centre allows her to dictate the speed, the plays, and set pieces of a game, and she always motivates the rest of the team to play to her impeccably high standards.
It has been said that when Lauren’s playing, the PE department will stop what they're doing to come and watch. However, she is incredibly humble, always there to help and encourage other players in the squad. Lauren embodies all there is about being a fabulous sportswoman and leader, and with her attitude and athletic ability, she will undoubtedly go far.
Issy Bennett, Head of Netball
Pierre Rivet WATER POLO
Pierre is the latest in a long succession of captains who have set the standard for attitude and training ethic, and the positive influence that has on the rest of the team. Water polo captains are an ambassador for the sport in school. Pierre has done something more; he’s made water polo ‘cool’.
Within training, Pierre is incredibly supportive of everyone, but his greatest strength is what he does around the school. He has strengthened the water polo community by chatting to the younger players and congratulating them in the corridor. He’s built this over time, and water polo has become popular to be involved in. Pierre also embodies Trinity Sport; he wants to be a part of everything. He represented Great Britain in water polo last weekend, but the day before he was excited to be playing hockey for the second team. I can’t speak highly enough of Pierre and what he has done for the school.
Sean King, Director of Sport
