The UQ Sport community came together on Tuesday 15 April at Hillstone St Lucia for the 2025 Club and Sports Awards.
With over 60 nominations across nine categories, the night recognised the volunteers, student-athletes, coaches and administrators helping sport at UQ thrive.
Special guest Shayna Jack OAM OLY – Olympic gold medallist and mental health advocate – joined the event to share her story of resilience and success in swimming.
2025 UQ Club and Sports Awards – Winners
Volunteer of the Year – Joshua Bickle (Football Club)
Administrator of the Year – Paris Hooper (Basketball Club)
Club Service Award – James Courtney (Touch Football)
Coach of the Year – Renee Murphy (Touch Football) – Leilanie Pakoa pictured
All-Rounder of the Year – Peta Cridland (Cheer & Dance)
President’s Cup – Cricket Club
Hulbert Bursary – Boxing Club
Sportswoman of the Year – Lakeisha Patterson
A Paralympic silver medallist at the 2024 Paris Games, Lakeisha Patterson was named UQ Sportswoman of the Year, for the second time (2019, 2025). Lakeisha added a 400m Freestyle S9 silver to her already outstanding Paralympic career, and also took home gold at both the UniSport Swimming Nationals and the Australian Open Swimming Championships in 2024.
In a heartfelt pre-recorded video, Lakeisha thanked the UQ sporting community while in transit to the USA for the World Para Series.
Sportsman of the Year – Lachlan Kennedy
After a stunning Olympic debut, sprinter Lachlan Kennedy was crowned UQ Sportsman of the Year.
Lachlan ran a blistering first leg in the 4x100m relay at the Paris Olympics, helping Australia set a new national record. He also shattered records in the 60m sprint at the Oceania Championships and recently captured national attention with his 200m win at the Maurie Plant Meet.
“The support I receive from UQ Sport has been unreal with balancing study and my sport. I’m really excited to join this list of Sportspeople at UQ.” Lachie said when receiving his award.
View the full history of winners for Club and Sports Awards.
Media: UQ Sport Marketing, marketing@uqsport.com.au
