New Head of Girls’ Sport

At the beginning of Trinity Term we were joined by Kerry Smith as Head of Girls’ Sport and Tennis. She brings with her a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. Read on to find out more about her…

It is an exciting time to be joining the MCS sports team as Head of Girls’ Sport and Tennis. Hockey and netball have, over the past few years, moved from strength to strength with notable results flooding in from county competitions and regional appearances. I know the coaches of these sports areas motivated as myself to set new goals and challenges for next season and build upon a very positive programme. With 4 netball teams in play during Hilary term, we must set our sights on maintaining these numbers, representing the school and competing on a more challenging fixture list. Regional qualification is a realistic aim for us in hockey and netball, but hard work must be undertaken during the Michaelmas term.

The 1^st VI and 2^nd VI girls have competed in weekly tennis fixtures so far this term and Wednesday’s match v St Edward’s saw additional girls come to support the competitors and enjoy a practice hit on a beautiful summers evening on School Field. With only 2 years at the school, it is paramount that we harness this desire to participate from the first day. The opportunities for the girls at MCS are huge. With the provision of tennis, netball, rowing, sailing, football, hockey, rounders, athletics, cricket, cross-country, and Pilates, we have here at MCS a programme to suit all, as well as opportunities to challenge the most competitive. In addition, we welcome a new Head of Rowing in September, Sophie Panzer, adding to an already strong department who will undoubtedly nurture our rowing talent even further. She brings with her experience from Falcon Rowing club and Oxford University.

I hope that my position at the school is one that inspires further participation, enjoyment and nurtures the talent that we so clearly have in these activities. I look to add more opportunities where possible however remain mindful of the need for balance and prioritising quality in the activities that we provide rather than stretching our sports programme too far and demanding unrealistic commitment from our students. So far, working with the girls has been a pleasure – they are mature, intelligent and diligent on the sports field. It is with great excitement that I plan the upcoming seasons for them with every confidence that they will make the most of opportunities presented to them and learn a huge amount from these experiences.

The MCS tennis programme is at a very exciting stage of growth and development thanks to the hard work from our pupils and coaches in recent years. We are regularly seeing an attendance of 35 – 40 U12 and U13 boys at after school tennis club, with a further 8 or so young players out at weekly fixtures. The demand for this inclusive sport at the school is growing each year and it is growing fast. The senior boys earned a superb win last year in the National Schools Tennis Competition, thanks to the expertise and dedication from our tennis professional Dave Tuck, setting a wonderful example for the likes of the U13’s. These young players are yet to lose a match in their fixture list challenging the U15’s in success, who look to be progressing into the regional knock outs of the local league. I look forward to adding to this programme and to providing challenges as well as experience for our boys along with the senior girls. We hope to provide further chances to learn, compete and grow as players as well as developing a long lasting enjoyment of the game.

The MCS summer programme is in full swing, and every day I appreciate the wonderful facilities that we are able to enjoy here at the school. It is an absolute pleasure to be able to coach and play regularly on such high class grass courts. They allow high numbers to be catered for,maintaining quality in coaching. This, in addition to the enthusiasm that comes from both coaches and players in each session outlines the fantastic setup that we have here at MCS.

“Kerry joining us is a fantastic addition that only adds strength to our Girls’ Sport and Tennis programme. We are extremely lucky to be able to draw on her expertise and enthusiasm, which will no doubt see further success across girls’ sport and tennis. With Kerry’s skill and vision, supported by the incredibly strong coaching staff within our existing department, I am confident that both aspects of her role will continue to flourish. It is an exciting time for MCS Sport, as we are now consistently competing with the very best schools locally and regionally” – Andy Watts, Director of Sport

Home town: Bath

University: Birmingham, Sport Science BSc

Work: Rugby School, Ampleforth College, Royal Grammar School, Newcastle

University sporting achievements: 1^st team ladies tennis captain, BUCS Division 1 winners, BUCS premier league competitors

Favourite sporting moment: Mo Farah achieving 2^nd Gold on Super Saturday at 2012 Olympics

Sports Role Model: Andre Agassi