Blues and Colours Awards Evening - Shortlists Announced!

Awarded to a student who has delivered outstanding sporting performances during their time at university.  

This year’s finalists exemplify world-class excellence, international representation, and record-breaking success. 

Archie Goodburn – Swimming  Archie has represented both Team GB and Team Scotland, competing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2024 World Short Course Championships. He currently holds the Scottish national record for the 50m Breaststroke and secured a silver medal at the 2023 European Short Course Championships. Across his university career, Archie has won a remarkable seven BUCS gold medals and two silvers, cementing his legacy in student sport. 

Jamie Croll – Men’s Hockey Jamie has earned seven senior international caps for Scotland, including appearances in the FIH Nations Cup and matches against Poland and Wales, adding to six U21 caps. At university level, he has played a pivotal role in the Men’s Hockey 1st team, helping them to win the BUCS North Premier League and become Scottish Cup champions. 

Lucy Evans – Rifle Lucy has represented Great Britain in numerous international 10m Air Pistol events, including two World Championships, two European Championships, and three ISSF Grand Prix competitions. Most recently, she claimed gold at the Danish Open. She holds both the British and Scottish records in 10m Air Pistol and has been a key figure in the university’s target shooting community. 

Phoebe Thornett – Women’s Lacrosse Phoebe has excelled at both U21 and senior level for Scotland, playing a key role in the team that earned bronze at the 2024 European Championships. In 2023, she was the top goal scorer for the Scotland U21 squad, finishing among the tournament’s top 10 players. She led the national team to first place at the 2025 European Lacrosse Sixes, earning MVP in the final. At university, Phoebe has captained the Women’s Lacrosse 1st team since 2023. 

The Student Coach of the Year shortlisted individuals have gone above and beyond to support their clubs, driving development and success both on and off the field. 

Izzy Hardy (Netball) Izzy has demonstrated remarkable commitment as a student coach over the past three seasons, leading the Netball 3rd team to their best-ever league performance this year. She has championed development through detailed match analysis, additional training opportunities, and a strong emphasis on team improvement. Izzy also stepped in to support the 1st team, showcasing her adaptability and leadership across the programme. 

Tobias Andersen (Basketball) Tobias took on the challenge of coaching the Women’s 2nd team mid-season, guiding them to their strongest performance in recent years. His video-led analysis, attention to individual player development, and collaborative coaching style have transformed team confidence and outcomes. Tobias also supported the Women’s 1st team to their SSS Cup victory, exemplifying professionalism, resilience, and passion throughout. 

Yasmin Hengster (Sub Aqua) A highly qualified Open Water instructor with over 450 dives, Yasmin has led the Sub Aqua Club’s diving programme this year with unmatched knowledge and commitment. She has delivered extensive training for divers at all levels, coordinated multiple trips and courses, and acted as a role model, particularly for female and novice divers. Her work has significantly improved accessibility and inclusivity within the club. 

From international experience to grassroots dedication, this year’s Coach of the Year nominees have demonstrated remarkable commitment, expertise, and impact on student sport. 

Bruce Flockhart (Badminton) Bruce has gone above and beyond for the Badminton Club this year, doubling his coaching commitment to the 1st team, all while balancing a full-time job. He has implemented a strategic, data-informed training programme tailored to individual strengths and academic schedules. His leadership helped guide both the men’s and women’s 1st teams to promotion into the BUCS Premier League. 

Dunkan Armstrong (Touch Rugby) Dunkan’s dedication to both the men’s and women’s squads has driven the club’s strongest BUCS season to date. The 1st teams achieved their highest-ever national finish, including Plate wins and two regional round victories, while the 2s secured a Bowl title. Coaching voluntarily multiple times a week, his caring and knowledgeable approach has transformed the club culture and performance throughout the club. 

Neil Allan (Men’s Hockey) Neil has brought elite-level expertise to the Men’s Hockey programme as Scotland’s Senior Assistant Coach and Scottish Hockey’s Coach of the Year. This season, he has led the performance squad to an unbeaten BUCS Premier North run, third place in the Scottish Premiership, and a historic Scottish Cup victory - making Edinburgh the first university men’s side to win the national title. 

Trish Wilcox (Netball) Trish has had a phenomenal impact on the Netball Club, leading the 1st team to their best league finish in over a decade and an unbeaten National League campaign. She has supported all levels of the club, from coaching teams 1 and 2 to mentoring squads 3–8. Trish’s leadership in coach development, academic partnerships, and community outreach has been key to netball’s sustained growth and performance. 

The Student Official of the Year award recognises individuals who have shown exceptional dedication, skill, and leadership in officiating student sport.  

Ben Burton (Men’s Hockey) In just his first year with the club, Ben has made an extraordinary contribution, umpiring over 40 matches by February, double that of any other member. He was appointed Umpire Secretary just weeks after joining and built a close partnership with East District to support new officials. Ben’s selection for the European U20 Club Championships in April is a testament to his talent and work ethic. 

Josiah KC Yuen (Touch Rugby) Josiah’s rise through the Scottish Rugby Union referee pathway has been exceptional, earning appointments across regional and national leagues before being named the youngest ever official on the SRU National Panel. Balancing these commitments with academics and club roles – including coaching the Ladies Rugby 3rd team – Josiah is also a vocal advocate for referee wellbeing and inclusivity. 

Santa-Elise Cohu Davies (Women’s Hockey) Santa-Elise has made an impact on the Women’s Hockey Club this year, umpiring 29 matches across both women’s and men’s fixtures. Her calm authority and thorough knowledge of the game have earned her deep respect within the club. A former Umpire Secretary herself, she continues to mentor and support the next generation of officials, helping to sustain a strong culture of officiating at all levels. 

Celebrating the students who have gone above and beyond to support, lead, and uplift their clubs, the McTernan Colour of the Year recognises outstanding voluntary contribution to student sport.  

Alexis Boissel (Volleyball) Over the past four years, Alexis has held multiple committee roles across coaching, officiating, logistics, and safeguarding – often stepping in to fill gaps as needed. He regularly officiates matches to support the club's needs. His efforts behind the scenes have ensured stability, opportunity, and continued growth for the Volleyball Club. 

Florence Guest (Women’s Lacrosse) Florence has played a pivotal role in transforming Women’s Lacrosse through her leadership as President, umpire, coach, and captain. She has led the creation of new initiatives like the recreational and mixed squads, boost memberships to over 120 members. Florence dedicates countless hours to the club each week, fostering community, performance, and inclusivity at every level. 

Florian Garland Hoff (Men’s Hockey) For the past 4 years Florian has held numerous roles concluding with his presidency for 2024/25. He has been central to improving the coaching structure, supporting club culture, and enhancing performance across all teams. His commitment to inclusivity and behind-the-scenes work has left a lasting legacy on Men’s Hockey. 

Stuart Farmer (Sailing) Stuart has shown outstanding dedication to the Sailing Club, most recently as Commodore. He led the biggest Welcome Week taster sessions in five years and helped the club reach its highest first-semester membership in recent history. Stuart introduced a new Sustainability Officer role, took part in the RYA Green Blue Challenge, and has consistently gone above and beyond with maintenance and boat logistics.