Each week this term, our PE department is featuring a profile on a pupil participating in sport outside of school, which they are sharing on their Instagram and on the Sports Board in school.

The idea came from Miss Dunkley’s “pure fascination in pupils doing so much sport in school and still attaining a quality position in teams/activities outside of school.” Highlighting our girls shows we value them and are interested in what they are doing outside of school by sharing it with all members of our school community, she said. 

To kick things off, the first week is shining a spotlight on Year 7 Sports Scholar Minna W.

“My main sport is running (cross country and athletics), and I also enjoy netball, hockey, and swimming, but after lockdown, I started cricket at Bushy Park Girls at Teddington Cricket club, where I have developed my skills and learned something new.

In the summer holidays, I took part in a camp at Ealing Cricket Club, and really enjoyed it. As there was no access to the track after lockdown, I decided it would be fun to try a new sport, so I started playing for Bushy Park Girls, and eventually made my way into matches; first softball, then my first hardball match. The softballs were always less competitive, and it was a good way to start as there was less chance of getting hurt or hit. I played a series of matches over the summer and trained each week in the nets. I can really recommend this club and sport as the atmosphere was always supportive and I always felt encouraged by the coaches, even when I did not really know what I was doing, but I gradually grew more and more confident with my bowling. In my first hard ball match, I bowled out a Middlesex county cricketer! I cannot wait for winter nets, but I am so glad that NHEHS offers cricket; it is just a shame it clashes with swimming, which I also love. I miss being part of the Swim squad!”

My main passion however is running; I first realised that I was good at running when I won the Ealing mini mile when I was 9 and began to take part in regular Park runs. I started training at St Mary’s, Twickenham and I developed a love for athletics and, thanks to Natasha B (Year 8), I joined Ealing Eagles running club and began representing them in cross country fixtures and athletics meets. The competition is often tough, but I love the challenge and despite the cold and wet conditions, it is fun competing all over London. I am proud of the time I represented Ealing Borough in the London Youth Games in 2020 at Parliament Hill, when I came 13th out of 169 girls. The course was extremely muddy, but it was an incredible experience, with a scary start at the bottom of a very steep hill. I would encourage everyone to join the running club at school and to not be scared to take part in competitions, as it builds resilience. It does not matter if you do not win – it is all about challenging yourself.”