Hugh (Head Prefect, 2020) was in the Athlete Sports Performance programme throughout his secondary schooling and says one of the key benefits of his senior years was the extra time it gave him to complete his studies or extra training. A highly talented rugby player and athlete, Hugh’s progress was hampered by some significant injuries during his time at St Andrew’s, which put him out of sport for some time. He says the programme, and particularly the mentorship of Teacher in Charge of the programme, Riley Gain, provided sport specific help, guided him academically, and helped him with his mental game both on and off the field, especially when facing the disappointment of injury. Today, Hugh still uses the mental skills he learnt in the programme, and credits it for the development of his current mental strength and resilience.

With Riley Gain as his inspiration, Hugh models similar behaviour and interactions in his social work with youth aged 16–18. He is currently studying at the University of Canterbury, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Marketing, and credits the daily diary from the Athlete Sports Performance programme for developing his organisational skills, which is leading to success in his studies. Hugh trains eight times a week and hopes to work towards playing Rugby 7s post studies.