Leeds University Union Reveals Gryphon Colours Award Nominees

Local student athletes and club members recognised for achievements

Leeds University Union has announced the shortlist for the annual Gryphon Colours Awards, recognising the accomplishments of students across a wide range of sports and activities. The awards highlight contributions in areas including athletic performance, leadership, community impact, and team improvement.

A broad range of clubs and individuals nominated

The nominations span numerous sports and clubs, reflecting the diverse interests and talents within the university community. Categories include Club Colours, Full Colours, The Gryphon Award, White Rose Award, Gryphon Leadership Award, Most Improved Team, Most Improved Athlete, Performance Coach of the Year, Club Coach of the Year, Social Leagues Team of the Year, Team of the Year, Most Outstanding Athlete, Inclusion Award, Committee Member of the Year, and Club of the Year.

Selected nominees across key categories

Some of the nominated individuals and teams include:

• Club Colours Nominees: Abbie Davies (Women’s Football), Abi Patterson (Trampoline), Abigail Hallam (Boxing), Amy Buckley (Gymnastics), Andrea Teo (Karate), Connor Morton (Motorsport), and many others.
• Full Colours Nominees: Abbie Langstaff (Women’s Football), Abigail Conway (Netball), Ali Aljumah (Karate), Cailin Waddell (Women’s Hockey), Callum Bygrave (Golf), and more.
• The Gryphon Award Nominees: Annie Shawyer (Barbell), Emily Hill (Ultimate Frisbee), Fern Harvey (Ultimate Frisbee), Hannah Quinn (Ultimate Frisbee), Louise Brooks (Boat Club), Maya Banerjee (Dancesport), Sam Hill (Ultimate Frisbee).
• Mike Brook Award for Most Improved Team Nominees: Netball Female 7s Development, Golf 1s, Women’s Rugby League, Men’s Water Polo 2s, Women’s Cricket First Team, Women’s Football Third Team, Women’s Lacrosse 3rd Team.
• Mike Brook Award for Performance Coach of the Year Nominees: Daniel Agar-Brennan (Women’s Hockey), Jessica Carr (Women’s Rugby Union), Mark Hunter (Athletics).
• Club of the Year Nominees: Surf, Athletics, Mountaineering, Tennis, Boat Club, Women’s Cricket, Women’s Hockey.

Awards celebrate leadership and community involvement

In addition to athletic achievements, the Gryphon Colours Awards also recognise leadership and community contributions. The Gryphon Leadership Award includes nominees such as Charlotte Booth (Women’s Rugby Union), Delphine Connoly (Athletics), Friedrich Heinzle (Ice Hockey), and Holly Sullivan (Netball).

Recognition of inclusion and committee contributions

The Inclusion Award nominees include clubs such as Boxing, Sailing, and Boat Club, highlighting efforts to promote diversity and accessibility. The Committee Member of the Year category features nominees like Alejandro Cogolludo-Blank (Athletics), Alice Miller (Women’s Cricket), Charlie Liller (Surf), and Freddie Spillane (Athletics).

Outstanding individual performances acknowledged

The Roberts Award for Most Outstanding Athlete includes nominees such as Erin Tonks (Karate), Hannah Quinn (Ultimate Frisbee), Izzy Edgington (Leeds Sport Scholar), Louise Brooks (Rowing), Sam Hill (Ultimate Frisbee), and Zaw Torley (Leeds Sport Scholar).

The Gryphon Colours Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and achievements of Leeds University students involved in sport and related activities. The full list of nominees reflects a wide spectrum of talent and commitment across the university’s sporting community.