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Exeter College Athletes Shine on International Stage

Exeter College is celebrating an array of sporting stars as numerous students represent their country in various sports, both at home and abroad. This proud roster of talented athletes showcases the College’s dedication to fostering a culture of sporting excellence and supporting students in achieving their athletic dreams.

One such standout is Harriet King, Amelia Baines and Ruby Hatherly, competing in the AP Race International at the prestigious London Aquatics Centre for Great Britain. This event offers the next generation a platform to race alongside current Olympic and world champions, promising an exhilarating weekend of competition.

Two female and one male sport students smile at the camera in their blue academy kit.
Mimi Allington, Charlie Francis, and Steph Vellacott played for the AoC Sport England Hockey Team.

Joining the ranks of accomplished athletes is Evie Webster, a force to be reckoned with in BMX Racing. With an impressive track record, including placements in the last three World Championships for Britain and notable finishes in European championships, Webster continues to impress.

Ben Yunnie, excelling in Slalom Skiing, has made his mark with consistent top-10 finishes in the dry slope circuit. His ambitions are now set on the FIS competition in Bormio, Italy, Yunnie aims to further showcase his talent on an international stage.

Freddie Barlow, part of the GB talent squad in Modern Pentathlon, recently participated in the ‘Olympic Hopes’ competition and has competed internationally in various championships, displaying remarkable skill in multiple disciplines.

Five female rugby players smile at the camera in their blue academy kit.
Charlotte Heath, Katherine Dyke, Mia Ryrie, Kayleigh Priest, and Tilly Pulfer (left to right) played for England U18 or Scotland U18 rugby teams.

The College’s representation spans across various sports, with individuals like Harry Brett and Harry Hebard joining England’s U19 indoor volleyball team, while Amelie Andrew secured a spot in the U19 British youth sailing team, triumphing in events across Europe.

Moreover, Exeter College proudly boasts talents like Mimi Allington, Charlie Francis, and Steph Vellacott in the AoC Sport England Hockey Team, showcasing the diversity and depth of sporting talent.

The rugby arena witnessed stellar performances from Jed Findley, Luke Evans, Nick Lilley, Charlotte Heath, Katherine Dyke, Kayleigh Priest, Tilly Pulfer, and Mia Ryrie, representing England’s U18 and Scotland’s U18 rugby teams respectively.

Daisy Liu and Innis Rose-Price played for the Great Britain U20’s ultimate frisbee teams.

Not to be outdone, Innis Rose-Price, Daisy Liu, Ioan Sharpe, CC Addison, Toby Bullock, and Aaron Hale, make waves in ultimate frisbee, squash, netball, sprint kayaking, and football, demonstrating the breadth of sporting talent nurtured at Exeter College.

These exceptional achievements stand as a testament to the College’s commitment to nurturing excellence in sports and providing a platform for students to shine on the international stage. As these athletes continue to reach new heights, they serve as inspirations for future generations, embodying the spirit of dedication, passion, and unwavering determination.

Find out more about the Sport courses and opportunities available at Exeter College at the next Open Event.

Exeter College Netball Team Win First Ever College Treble 

Exeter College is excited to announce that the Women’s Netball first team have achieved an incredible treble, becoming the first ever college team to win three illustrious national competitions in one season.  

The playing squad consisted of Charlotte Steer (Vice Captain) GS, Ella Williams GA, Jemma Potter WA, Lily Tomlinson C, Caitlin Jeffery (Captain) WD, Iris Hindley GD, Hannah Rae GK, Abi Down GS, Lottie Armstrong WD, Abi Greenslade WD, Emily Churchill GD, Kitty Sampson C, Bronwin Stewart C, Annie Grief GD, and Tilly Spong WD. The team have won over 40 games in one season to be crowned the champions three times over. 

Charlotte Steer, Vice-Captain said; 

“It was such a proud moment for me, winning with all the girls I have grown up playing netball with was surreal. Winning one title was great but to become the first college to win all three was the best and I’m so glad we were all a part of it.” 

The treble success began where the team became National Premier League Champions. Exeter College joined Barking Abbey, Hartpury, and Queen Ethelburga’s in Walsall at the finals, as the top four teams across the South, Midlands, and North Premier Division leagues. Exeter was drawn against Barking Abbey and won 37-26, during a competitive and physical game. The team then met Hartpury in the final securing an impressive win of 34-30 to take the first of the three titles. 

“This is the first time a team has won the treble and we commend the students for their commitment and application over a long season and the staff for coaching the team to such a high standard.”

Andy Perlejewski, AoC Sport Competitions Manager

The team then fought hard again and won the gold medal at the Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport National Championships in Nottingham. After an intense competition, the South West region were presented winners of the Wilkinson Sword, the first time the region has won the coveted title since 2016 – which the Netball team also contributed towards by winning Gold. The squad won the title in a round robin competition over other colleges, including Hartpury College, Billborough College, Greenhead College, Hartlepool College, and Worthing College to take home the second of the titles and become the National College’s Champions. 

The final achievement came when the team came out on top in an amazing and tight fought match against Hartpury, winning 41-40 to win the AoC Sport National Netball Knockout Cup. The AoC cup sees teams drawn from all over the country and having to win each game to progress onto the next round. 

Andy Perlejewski, AoC Sport Competitions Manager, said; 

“AoC Sport congratulate Exeter College for their outstanding achievement in winning the National Netball Knockout Cup, the Premier League play-off final and the gold medal at the National Championships. This is the first time a team has won the treble and we commend the students for their commitment and application over a long season and the staff for coaching the team to such a high standard.” 

Hollie Greenaway, Academy Lead at Exeter College said; 

“Winning just one of these competitions is a fantastic achievement and to be the best College in the country in your sport is an outstanding feat. To win the treble is simply phenomenal and I am so proud of every player that has contributed to the success of the team. A special mention must go to the rest of the Netball Academy players in the second and third teams. Their support of the players has been unwavering and as a whole Academy they have been a pleasure to coach.  

“The first team have been dedicated in their commitment towards training over the past two years and the resilience they have shown to win over 40 games in total during one season and finishing by winning the treble is extraordinary and they will go down in history. I wish them all the best as they leave Exeter College and continue to play Netball at their clubs and University destinations.” 

Sam White, Netball Coach at Exeter College said; 

“This prestigious treble status is a huge credit to the demanding work that the girls have put in over the past two years. Even during the lockdowns, they worked tirelessly with Hollie and Lucy remotely over zoom with workouts and pair strength training which I believe increased their motivation, resilience, and their mental well-being. The players are an exceptional group of athletes and truly deserve this tremendous accolade. They are a credit to themselves, the coaches and the College and we could not be prouder of them.” 

Exeter College Men’s U18 Rugby Team become AOC Sport Champions of England and Wales 

Last night the Exeter College Men’s U18 rugby squad headed to the home of Exeter Chiefs to play a spectacular final against Ivybridge Community College in the AoC Premier League National Finals, grounding out a victory to retain the AoC Premier League title. 

Premiership rugby ground, Sandy Park, was the perfect venue for these two Devon colleges to go to head-to-head in what was an eventful final match and with over 1000 spectators, they did not disappoint. 

Academy Coach, Keith Brooking said; “Last night showed how strong age group rugby in Devon is. For two local colleges to get to the final of a national competition is great to see. For the Exeter Chiefs and the AOC to allow the final to be played at Sandy Park was amazing and with a great crowd and atmosphere it highlighted the appetite for age group rugby in the area. 

“The actual game was a great final with the result in the balance right until the final whistle and from a coaches point of view it was interesting to see what pressure does to a player. Both teams played their part in a great final with Ivybridge College having the majority of the territory and possession and playing some clever rugby while Exeter College showed their courage in defending their line time and time again. 

“From an Exeter Chiefs Academy view point it was excellent to see players from all over the County giving their all on the Sandy Park pitch and you never know we might see some of them on there again at some point.’ 

Exeter College celebrating winning the AoC Premier League National Finals

With a strong start from both teams, it was clear the teams were evenly matched with neither team giving each other an inch of ground in the first 20 minutes. That soon changed with Ivybridge scoring at 24 mins and by half time it was 5-10 to Ivybridge.  

Exeter raced into the second half with renewed vigour and quickly scored again bringing it to 12-10 to Exeter. The next 15 minutes saw Ivybridge camped in the Exeter 22 with Exeter struggling to clear their lines and giving penalties away at the breakdown. However, some spirited defence kept Ivybridge out, and twice they were held up over the line to keep the score line at 12-10. 

Ivybridge launched a number of attacks after further penalty infringements and a yellow card for Exeter.  However, some more resolute defence and a turnover ball saw an end to the encounter with prop Tom Gulley able to show his footballing skills, kicking the ball into a packed main grandstand at a raucous Sandy Park. A fitting end for Gulley, one of nine second years in the 22-man Exeter squad who pulled on the Exeter College jersey for the last time last night. 

Exeter College Coach, Jon Fabian, commented after the game: 

“Before the game, we said that we wanted the players to enjoy themselves, be proud of the performance they’ve put in and come back into the changing room with a win. When we look back at the game, we controlled the early possession, but the Ivybridge defence held us out and we eventually found ourselves 10-0 down. It was vital to us to get on the scoreboard just before half-time and this was just what we did with a great move from the back line.  

“In the second half, after we scored early on, the territory was controlled in a much better manner by the Ivybridge side, but the fight and character showed by our guys in defence was absolutely amazing. It was this aspect which ultimately decided the result of the game, after Ivybridge spent 20 minutes in our 22 without adding to their first half score line. Although we won the game, a huge amount of credit must go to the Ivybridge side, who played an unbelievable game and showed such huge character.” 

Exeter College Men’s U18’s Starting Line Up  

  1. Callum Arnold 
  1. Jack Ballett (Co-Captain) 
  1. Tom Gulley 
  1. Jake Martin 
  1. Ed Spurway 
  1. Sam Putman 
  1. Ethan Millard 
  1. Charlie Parr 
  1. Morgan Stone 
  1. Bobby Wigginton 
  1. Freddie Bridger 
  1. Zack Wimbush 
  1. Jeremy Tuima 
  1. Jude Baker-Hands 
  1. Charlie Groves 

Reps: 

  1. Louie Gulley (Co-Captain) 
  1. Joe Thomson 
  1. Harry Rodwell 
  1. Pip Burton-Race 
  1. James Dodge 
  1. Freddie Blackburn 
  1. Kofi Firth 
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