Wollongong Athletes Shine Brightly at 2025 CSNSW Sports Awards

This year’s combined awards evening was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday 2 December.

The 2025 CSNSW Sport Awards brought together award recipients, their families, school leaders, key diocesan representatives, team officials, coaches, and staff. The evening celebrated talent, dedication, and sporting excellence.

Olympians Emma Jeffcoat (Triathlon), Noah Havard (Sprint Kayak), Chloe Osborn (Para Swimming), and Brandon Starc (Athletics) spoke at the event. Each highlighted the importance of hard work, enjoying sport, and having a strong support network. They encouraged students to try a variety of sports, maintain interests outside sport, and prioritise health through sleep and nutrition.

Now in its fourth year, the NSWCPS Maroon Awards recognised over 70 students from 16 sports across NSW Catholic primary schools. Twelve Wollongong Diocesan students were among the awardees.

2025 NSWCPS Maroon Award winners from the Wollongong Diocese:

Left to Right: Kathryn Preece (CEDoW, Professional Officer), Jesse Bake (Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Helensburgh), Maia Twentyman (Mary Immaculate, Eagle Vale), Losaline Ivy Ma'asi (St Francis Catholic College, Edmondson Park), Kauri Twentyman (Mary Immaculate Catholic Primary School, Eagle Vale), Ava Sciffer (St Clare's Catholic Primary School, Narellan Vale), MacKenzie Sims (St Columbkille’s Catholic Primary School, Corrimal), Eleanor Taylor (Ss Peter & Paul's Catholic Primary School, Kiama), Felix Davidson (Ss Peter & Paul's Catholic Primary School, Kiama), Spencer Tracey (Stella Maris Catholic Primary School, Shellharbour), John Sparks (CEDoW, Professional Officer)

The annual Blues evening, now in its 28th year, recognised over 65 top students from 19 sports across NSW Catholic secondary schools and colleges. Winners are selected by the NSWCCC Blues committee based on achievements throughout 2025, including NSWCCC, NSW All Schools, and Australian representation.

Ten students from Wollongong Diocesan schools were honoured for their achievements.

2025 NSWCCC Blue Award winners from the Wollongong Diocese:

Back Row: Nathan Williams (Mt Carmel Catholic College, Varroville), Eddie Clare (Holy Spirit College, Bellambi), Oskar Driscol (St John’s Catholic High School, Nowra) Scott Ashcroft (St Patrick's College, Campbelltown)

Front Row: Kathryn Preece (CEDoW, Professional Officer), Emily Hollingsworth (St Joseph's Catholic High School, Albion Park), Ivy Miller (St Mary Star of the Sea College, Wollongong) Jasmine Wright (Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats), Madhu Mahen (St Mary Star of the Sea College, Wollongong), Anneliese Cullen (Magdalene Catholic College, Narellan), Skye Spencer (Holy Spirit College, Bellambi), John Sparks (CEDoW, Professional Officer)

Scott Ashcroft from St Patrick’s College, Campbelltown, received the NSWCCC Teacher Service Award. He has served for over 18 years as Sport Coordinator, creating meaningful sporting opportunities for all students.

Scott has contributed to the Wollongong Diocesan Sports Council and officiated at Diocesan swimming, cross country, and athletics carnivals. At the CCC level, he has served as triathlon convener, NSW All Schools triathlon manager, and coached the NSWCCC Girls Rugby League teams. He also played a key role in developing the NSWCCC female rugby league pathway program.

Scott’s dedication and leadership make him a highly deserving recipient of the award.

The Maroon and Blues Awards mark the culmination of a busy year and highlight the sporting pathways available to students in Wollongong Diocesan schools. We congratulate all award recipients and wish them continued success.