2010 Llew Rees Memorial Prize winner announced

The highest Sporting Award at Bangor University, the Llew Rees Award, presented to the most outstanding sportsman or woman from among the student body has been awarded this year to Postgraduate Sports Science PhD student Vicky Gottwald.

National league Basketball player, Vicky, of Grove, Oxfordshire has received a cash prize of £750 in order to advance her performance.

Vicky has been involved in Basketball since she was in year 10 at school, though she didn't take up the sport seriously until she came to Bangor University in 2003. During her second year she took on the role of Captain and Coach of the Women's team.

During 2009 / 2010 Vicky has played in all British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) matches and the team have been unbeaten at home. The team have reached the BUCS Cup North Semi Finals and ended the season in 2nd position.

Vicky has been selected to represent the Welsh University team three times at the British University Games and in the 2009 / 2010 season she was chosen as Vice captain at the Home Nations Games.

Vicky said: "I am honoured to receive the award and it is already serving to push me harder in my training. I still have many goals in basketball that I would like to accomplish and this award will facilitate this process through coaching expertise, court time and equipment. My next challenge is to be selected for the Wales Women's National Team."
For the last year Vicky has also been involved in developing links between Bangor University and Holyhead Celts Basketball Clubs. This has helped players fund coaching qualifications but has also facilitated access to expertise. Dependent on funding a five year plan will see the development of a North Wales Basketball Academy with players feeding from primary schools ultimately through to the university teams.

"We're delighted to be able to support such a dedicated sportswoman during her time at university. She is committed to her sport and we wish her every success for the future," said Mike Goodwin, Director of Estates & Facilities at Bangor University.

Publication date: 21 September 2010