Excellence, Participation and Community: Celebrating MLC Sport

The 2026 MLC Sports Awards celebrated an outstanding year of sporting achievement, bringing students, staff and families together to recognise the ongoing strength of the College's sporting community.

A highlight of the evening was the introduction of three new premier perpetual shields, honouring distinguished Old Collegians who have helped shape Australian sport.

The Alisa Camplin Sportswoman of the Year Shield honours Olympic aerial skiing gold medallist Alisa Camplin (1992), while the Gweneth Molony Sports Achiever of the Year Shield recognises Australia's first female Winter Olympian and MLC's first Olympian, Gweneth Molony (1948). The Annabel Sutherland Rising Star Shield celebrates Australian cricket star Annabel Sutherland (2019).

The occasion was made particularly special by the return of Alisa and Gweneth to present their namesake awards. More than seven decades after leaving MLC, Gweneth's return offered a remarkable connection to the College's sporting history, bringing together generations of athletes and celebrating the pioneering women who helped pave the way for today's students

This year's inaugural recipients were:

–       Alisa Camplin Sportswoman of the Year: Grace (Year 11)

–       Gweneth Molony Sports Achiever of the Year: Indra (Year 10)

–       Annabel Sutherland Rising Star: Lucy (Year 10)

Director of Sport Michael Jenkins reflected on the significance of welcoming these pioneering athletes back to the College.

"Australian sporting legends and royalty like Alisa and Gweneth, who have achieved enormous success and paved the way for the current generations, once sat in the exact seats as the MLC students in 2026. They are incredible role models."

Students also heard from guest speaker Mimi Hill (2020), former MLC Sport Prefect and current Carlton AFLW player, who provided further inspiration for students as she shared her journey from school sport to elite competition.

^{Gweneth Molony (1948), MLC's first Olympian, congratulates a student at the awards.} 

A landmark year for MLC Sport

The awards capped another exceptional year for MLC Sport, with a record 27 GSV weekly premierships, a 25th consecutive Swimming Premiership, a fourth consecutive Athletics Premiership and fourth Diving  Premiership in five years.

For 2026 Sport Prefect Samantha, however, the greatest achievements go beyond the results.

"I'm most proud of the culture we've continued to build and the opportunities we've created for girls to challenge themselves through sport."

That culture continues to drive participation across the College, with MLC recording its nineteenth consecutive term of participation growth.

The opening of the new Aquatics Centre and the expansion of opportunities including skateboarding, surfing and indoor climbing have further strengthened a program that encourages students of all abilities to get involved.

"I am most proud of the many MLC students who gave something a go for the very first time or took the next step in their skill development and fitness journey," Mr Jenkins said.

"The MLC Sport program proudly caters to students who are starting their journey all the way through National Champions and International representatives."

For Samantha, creating opportunities for more girls to discover the benefits of sport has been particularly rewarding.

"I know firsthand how much sport can shape your confidence, friendships and resilience. I'm proud that we're continuing to create those experiences for more girls, regardless of their sport or level of ability."

^{MLC's Sport Prefects for 2026, Samantha (left) and 2027, Olivia (right).}

Recognising the culture behind the results

Alongside the new premier shields, awards recognising ‘Breakthrough Athlete’, ‘Growth and Grit’, ‘Invaluable Teammate’, ‘Service and Commitment’ and ‘Silent Achiever’ celebrated the qualities that underpin MLC's sporting culture.

Samantha believes recognising these contributions is just as important as celebrating success in competition.

"The Sports Awards recognise the qualities that aren't always reflected on a scoreboard: resilience, commitment, sportsmanship and the courage to keep showing up, particularly when things don't go to plan,” she said.

“Having experienced both success and setbacks throughout my own sporting journey, I've learnt that some of the most valuable lessons come from the seasons that don't go to plan."

Looking ahead, incoming 2027 Sport Prefect Olivia hopes to build on this strong foundation.

"What makes sport at MLC truly special is the culture of encouragement, unity and collective pride that extends far beyond individual achievements or competition results."

As she concludes her time as Sport Prefect, Samantha hopes she has encouraged more students to discover what sport can offer.

"I hope I've helped encourage more girls to get involved, back themselves and discover not only what they can achieve through sport, but also the friendships, community and sense of belonging it can provide."

For Olivia, it is this sense of community that will continue to shape the future of MLC Sport.

“Having experienced firsthand the incredible opportunities and sense of community that MLC sport provides, I am especially excited to contribute to the sporting culture that has shaped so much of my own school experience.”

"Sport at MLC is not simply about what we achieve, but about the people we become and the memories we create along the way."