Stirling University dominates Scottish Student Sport Awards with three major wins

The University of Stirling made history at the 2026 Scottish Student Sport Awards, winning top honors in three categories: Female Athlete, Team, and Coach of the Year.

The University of Stirling has once again proven its dominance in Scottish student sports, securing three prestigious awards at the 2026 Scottish Student Sport Awards. The ceremony, held at the elegant Hotel du Vin in St Andrews on June 11, celebrated the university’s exceptional athletes and coaches, reinforcing Stirling’s reputation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

This remarkable achievement marks the second consecutive year that Stirling has claimed a hat-trick of accolades at this esteemed event. The university’s success spans across swimming, tennis, and coaching, showcasing the depth of talent and dedication within its athletic programs.

Angharad Evans: A swimming sensation

Angharad Evansknown as Harri, has solidified her status as a swimming sensation by winning the Female Athlete of the Year award for the second year in a row. The breaststroke specialist, who swapped a U.S.

university training program for a sports scholarship at Stirling, has been breaking records and making waves on both national and international stages.

Evans’ impressive resume includes becoming the British champion and record holder in the 100m Breaststroke, placing sixth at her debut Olympic Games in Paris, and winning silver with the Women’s 4x100m Medley Relay at the World Short Course Championships. Her dedication to the sport has paid off, as she continues to dominate her events at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) championships and secure her spot on Team Scotland for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The Business Studies and Management student has shown that academic pursuits and athletic excellence can go hand in hand. Her commitment to both areas serves as an inspiration to fellow students and aspiring athletes.

The men’s tennis team: A historic season

The University of Stirling’s Men’s Tennis First Team has scripted history by winning all four major titles in the 2026/26 BUCS season. The team, comprising Liam HignettNemanja MalesevicRob CowleyCameron Fryerand Kyle McKayclaimed the National Championship, National League, Doubles, and Individual Championships, a feat never before achieved in BUCS history.

Under the guidance of Scott MacAulaythe Lead Tennis Coach, the team’s success is a testament to the university’s high-performance tennis program. MacAulay’s exceptional coaching has not only led to this historic quadruple crown but also earned him the Coach of the Year award. This recognition follows his recent accolade as Performance Coach of the Year at the Tennis Scotland Awards 2026.

The team’s individual achievements are equally impressive, with members securing titles and deep runs in various British and international tour events. Their success has put Stirling on the map as a powerhouse in student tennis.

Stirling’s sporting excellence

The University of Stirling’s success at the Scottish Student Sport Awards is a reflection of its commitment to sporting excellence. The university offers world-class facilities, including a 50-meter pool, state-of-the-art indoor golf studios, and unrivaled outdoor spaces. These resources, combined with a comprehensive International Sports Scholarship Programme, have supported hundreds of athletes since its inception in 1981.

The scholarship program provides funding support, academic flexibility, and access to top-tier equipment and kit. It has enabled many athletes to compete on the world stage, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. Core sports at Stirling include swimming, tennis, golf, triathlon, football, rugby, and curling, with individual scholarships covering all Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth Games sports.

As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, Stirling continues to deliver medals on the world stage, improve the health and wellbeing of the nation, and produce the next generation of leaders within sport. The university’s recent success at the Scottish Student Sport Awards is a testament to its ongoing commitment to athletic achievement and excellence.