This year alone, 17 students from Year 10-13 have been involved in coaching teams or running sports clubs, an extraordinary contribution to the school’s sporting culture. Among them, Kayla Gillen and Philip Pentchev were recognised as finalists in the Student Coach of the Year category, an award that showcases individuals who have shown outstanding leadership through their commitment as a coach and have contributed positively to their school’s sporting culture.

Kayla went on to be announced as the winner at the awards evening held at Eden Park, highlighting her outstanding impact on the school’s sports program this year. 

She has been instrumental in the growth and success of Ultimate Frisbee at ACG Parnell. She co-launched an Ultimate Club, which has fostered a vibrant community of enthusiast within the school. Under her guidance, the school set a record with three teams competing in the Auckland Secondary School Indoor Championships, and she also coached a team to success at the Senior Outdoor Championships. Kayla’s dual role as both coach and player at the indoor event also highlighted her exceptional talent in the sport, where she was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
In addition to her efforts in Ultimate, Kayla coached the Year 10 Netball team, further demonstrating her versatility and dedication to ACG Parnell sport in 2024.

Philip has contributed significantly to the school’s football program, coaching the 14th Grade Football team, the Year 7-8 Football team and the Primary Futsal Club. When the 1st XI Boys Football team faced a challenging period without a coach, Philip also stepped up to lead this team.
“We are very lucky to have so many willing students take on leadership roles through coaching and officiating” said ACG Parnell Sports Coordinator, Steph Trowill.

“Both Kayla and Philip have exemplified outstanding leadership, dedication and commitment and we are very proud that an ACG Parnell student took out the award this year - Kayla has put in a lot of time and effort across two vastly different sporting codes.”

Steph also commended the development of the 2024 ACG Parnell Head Prefect, Philip.

“As Philip graduates this year, it has been truly inspiring to witness his growth and development over the past six years into the exceptional leader he is today. 

“As the coach of the 1st XI Boys Football team, I am incredibly grateful he stepped in to lead the team in my absence. He led with remarkable maturity, motivating them to continue pushing forward, highlighting his natural leadership abilities and dedication to his peers.”
In addition to the success in coaching, Year 9 student Fangfei Zhao was recognised in the newly introduced Non-sanctioned Sport category for her achievements in Air Pistol Shooting. 

Fangfei is the 10m Air Pistol Shooting Womens National Champion and Junior National Champion as well as the National Secondary School’s Individual Champion and is a member of the ACG Parnell team who were crowned National Team Champions for the third year in a row. She also represented New Zealand at the ISSF World Junior Championships earlier this year.

The achievements celebrated at this year’s YSPOTY Awards highlight the exceptional talent, leadership, and dedication of ACG Parnell students. From Kayla Gillen’s transformative impact on Ultimate Frisbee to Philip Pentchev’s remarkable contributions to the school’s football program, and Fangfei Zhao’s national and international success in Air Pistol Shooting, the awards underscore the school’s commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals. With such an impressive legacy of leadership and sporting excellence, ACG Parnell continues to inspire its students to reach new heights and leave a lasting impact on their school and community.