College Sport Auckland continues to play a vital role in keeping young people active, connecting more than 79,000 students with sport across 184 events and 40 codes. Since 1991, its Young Sportsperson of the Year (YSPOTY) Awards have recognised the outstanding achievements of secondary school athletes across Tāmaki Makaurau, celebrating excellence at school, regional and national levels.

This year marks a special moment for bowls: for the first time in a decade, the sport is back on the podium.

Congratulations to Lilly Wesche of Auckland Girls’ Grammar, who has been named the 2025 Female Lawn Bowls Young Sportsperson of the Year. The last bowls recipients were Mackenzie Blucher and Aiden Takarua in 2015, making Lilly’s achievement a significant milestone for our sport.

Reflecting on the ceremony, Lilly said, “The awards were incredible. There were so many sports and so many schools represented.” Her father, Matt, added, “There is so much talent in our schools, and many students are already representing New Zealand. To see our daughter up there, making her mark in bowls, was a truly proud moment.”

At just 14, and a member at Howick, Lilly is already establishing herself as a rising talent. She received the Pat Walsh Memorial Scholarship earlier this year, is a committed member of the Auckland 1–5 Year representative squad, and continues to impress with her dedication and rapid development. Her future in the sport looks exceptionally bright.

Congratulations also to the 2025 Male Lawn Bowls winner, Anas Zara of Avondale College. Anas has shown tremendous growth, securing first place at last year’s Senior Secondary School Pairs Day and training diligently with support from New Lynn Bowling Club.

We celebrate both Lilly and Anas, along with every nominee, for their achievements and contributions to the future of bowls.

Top: Lilly (R) at Junior Pairs on 18 November
Bottom: Anas (centre) with Abdullah from the Pairs Day in term 1.