Maree Pearce recognised for outstanding contribution to school sport

Congratulations to Mrs Maree Pearce, Sports Coordinator at Catherine McAuley College (CMC) who has been awarded the Secondary School Sport Coordinator of the Year Award 2022 by School Sport Victoria for her contribution and making a difference in Victorian school sport. Maree received the award at a ceremony in Melbourne this week.

School Sport Victoria delivers an extensive school sport program to primary and secondary students across Victoria, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for engagement and participation. These awards celebrate outstanding achievement by key personnel who are dedicated to developing young people through sport.

With over 2000 schools across Victoria taking part in the School Sport Victoria program, Maree said she was “honoured to have been nominated and chosen for the 2022 award”.

As a staff member for thirty-five years and Sports Coordinator since 2004, Maree has supported thousands of students from Years 7 to 12 to participate, compete and represent the College through school sport. She coordinates teams for co-curricular sports competitions and College sport carnivals which together engage over 600 students every year, close to half the student population.

School sport competitions were challenged by COVID-19, but 2022 has seen a return to the busy schedule of competitions at Sandhurst, Loddon Mallee and State Level. “It is clear that students very much missed their sport in 2020 and 2021. Now it is back, more students than ever have engaged with the sport program.”

2022 has been a successful year for representative sport at CMC. Sixteen teams progressed through the stages to State Finals, with three teams as finishing the year as State Champions and nine teams achieving State Runners Up. In addition, a number of individuals are 2022 State Champions. The sports covered are varied, including athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross country, football, hockey, netball, soccer, swimming, table tennis, tennis, trapshooting and volleyball.

Maree is highly regarded in her role as Sports Coordinator at the school. She is popular with students and staff alike and is adept at coaching in many sports. She is known to be dedicated, highly-organised and self-possessed. As a sports reporter, she brings the excitement and spirit of the competitions to life.

“I am very fortunate to be working with students in the sporting environment. It is so satisfying to see them engaging in sport and excelling outside the classroom. It is a privilege to do this job, getting the students out there and seeing how much they love playing and representing the College.”

“I am grateful to all the staff who put their hands up to coach and accompany students to competition days. Without their generosity, we would not be able to field nearly as many teams across so many sports.”

Mr Brian Turner, Principal was thrilled that Maree was recognised for her outstanding contribution to inter-school sport. He said “the College is delighted to see Maree Pearce honoured by School Sport Victoria. As a long-standing, respected member of staff and the CMC community, she has encouraged and facilitated thousands of students to participate in and enjoy playing sport. While some have gone on to play at professional levels, so many others have simply enjoyed the opportunity to play at school and often on into their adult lives. I congratulate Maree on her award and thank her for her dedicated contribution to the CMC community.”