Great Britain weightlifting athlete Deborah Alawode was Guest of Honour at St Benedict's annual girls' sports awards evening this month.

The St Benedict's Hockey and Netball Presentation Dinner was attended by almost 200 pupils, parents and staff. Deborah Alawode, a Great Britain weightlifting athlete who competed in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, presented the awards.

In her speech she gave an inspirational message for the girls: "Achieving highly, academically, can go hand in hand with sporting excellence."

Deborah is a medical student at University College, London, combining her studies with a successful weightlifting career.

The St Benedict's Captain of Netball, Isabelle Haran, and Captain of Hockey, Rosaleen O'Haire, each gave an overview of the year's sporting achievements.

The season has been the most successful for both hockey and netball and there were lots of highlights and successes to celebrate.

Some of St Benedict's hockey players with Deborah Alawode. Photo: St Benedict's School.

Isabelle, who is in Year 13, said: "Netball this year has showcased an enormous amount of talent within girls' sport at St Benedict's, with multiple, successful outcomes for the girls. Every individual has grown over this time.

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"There has been evident commitment across all age groups with continuous participation in strength and conditioning sessions before school and netball training after school. With the support and guidance from coaches, we have developed new skills, become fitter, and improved team communication on and off the court.

"The evening was a great chance to come together and celebrate a successful season and hear from Deborah Alawode about her sporting achievement - which first started from playing netball. "

Rosaleen, also in Year 13, commented: "The standard of hockey played by all age groups this season has been better than ever. From teams winning their London tournaments to going far in national competitions, we have really seen the advancement of hockey in recent years at St Benedict's and this is a testament to the talent and coaching of girls' sport at school.

"In hockey, three age groups won their County round and four age groups were runners-up in the next, Regional round.

"The 1st team really came together as one, playing high quality hockey and working well with each other to win matches.

"Our greatest achievement of the season came in the national Independent Schools Hockey Cup, where we reached the semi-final of the plate competition."