Meet the Gold Coast’s senior school sports captains for 2025
With the new school year now in full swing, meet the region’s future sporting leaders as schools announce the students who will lead their sports programs for 2025.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
With the school year now well and truly underway, we are shining a light on the students set to lead the way as sports captains and leaders on the Gold Coast.
The potential future captains of the Gold Coast Suns and Titans could be set for their first experience as leaders as schools from across the region announce their students who will lead their sporting programs for 2025.
Check out all the announced senior sports captains from the Gold Coast state secondary schools below.
Benowa State High School
Grace Scherer
Sport has always been a huge part of Scherer’s life both in and out of school.
She participates in racing IRBs, sprinting, team sports and always competes in the school house carnivals with enthusiasm and pride.
In 2024, a highlight for her was competing as a member of the Broadbeach Surf Life
Saving Club in the inflatable rescue boat racing team.
She placed second at the National Champion and then going on to compete at the World Championship where she finsihed sixth.
Scherer’s dedication to competing and volunteering has strengthened her leadership,
resilience, and teamwork skills.
She is excited for the opportunity to support, inspire, and encourage others while fostering a strong sporting culture at Benowa.
Alix Godfrey
Godfrey started at Benowa State High School in the Sport Excellence Program in year seven and has been an integral part of the Benowa SHS Redbacks volleyball program over the years.
She has won State and National titles with her Redbacks volleyball team in Honours Division and represented South Coast in volleyball.
Godfrey started her leadership journey coaching Benowa’s junior volleyball teams and last year assisted in coaching the year eight girls’ team.
She is not only a part of the High Flyers Academic Program but she is also passionate about increasing participation in sport and physical activity within her school.
Coombabah State High School
Cash Krywenko
“Since joining CSHS in Year 7, I have been actively involved in a variety of sports programs, embracing every opportunity to grow as both an athlete and a leader,” Krywenko said.
“Beyond school, I play rugby league and am deeply committed to surf lifesaving, a passion I’ve pursued for the past seven years.
“My dedication to the sport has led me to compete at an elite level, earning selection for
multiple representative teams, including an Australian-level team.
“I have also had the incredible opportunity to participate in the World Ocean Series, travelling across Australia to compete against the best in the field.
“Sport has always been a driving force in my life, shaping my resilience, teamwork and
leadership skills.
“I am eager to continue pushing my limits and inspiring others to embrace an active and competitive lifestyle.”
Skye George
George is multi-sport star, competing at an elite level in multiple codes.
She plays club netball and rugby league at Runaway Bay
She has represented Northern Gold Coast Netball Association at rep level and also represented Broadwater School sports for netball.
She has also played Super League in indoor netball.
However, it is the rugby codes where she has shone brightest.
George is a Harvey Norman under-19 junior rep with the Souths Logan Magpies and is a super star in Oz Tag.
She has made both the Queensland State Cup and nationals in that sport and is also the rugby captain for the school team.
Kieara Adams
“Throughout my high school journey at Coombabah State High School, I have been actively
involved in sports and leadership roles,” Adams said.
“In Grade 9, I was selected for the school’s Sports Excellence program and assisted in running the cross-country event.
“By Grade 10, I volunteered as a rugby league referee for primary school games and played my first season of rugby league with Parkwood Sharks under-16s girls, where I received the coaches’ award.
“In Grade 11, I moved to Runaway Bay Seagulls under-17s girls and was unable to
play due to health conditions, however I instead earned my Level 1 LeagueSafe certification
through Play Rugby League, allowing me to assist my team throughout the season.
“I also volunteered as a touch football referee at Labrador State School, helped with inter-school netball, and was selected to play in the open girls’ rugby league team for Coombabah State High School.
“In Grade 12, I was honoured to be selected for the South Logan Magpies
representative team in the Harvey Norman under-19’s girls’ competition, but unfortunately, an
injury prevented me from competing.
“My dedication to sports, leadership, and volunteering has shaped me into a committed and hardworking leader.”
Chloe Minton-Connell
“I have always had a passion for physical fitness and heath, throughout this
year I look forward to coaching, guiding and inspiring individuals through the joy of sport,” Minton-Connell said.
“My passion for sports began at the age of 10 when I first joined hockey.
“I have played hockey for seven years, representing at various competitive levels such as many Broadwater teams, South Coast hockey teams and my highest achievement representing Queensland for U16’s Hockey.
“Throughout the years my passion has led to many opportunities including my
engagement in the high performance sports academy, coaching and mentoring upcoming
junior hockey players and engagement in various sports active programs.”
Matthew Hoy
Hoy is an elite dual sport star who is a member of the Gold Coast Suns Academy.
He has played Queensland AFL at under-15 and under-17 level and is a member of the Suns’ under-18s leadership group.
He has also been a part of the HPSA school program since grade seven and plays rugby league for his school.
Jayla Wheatley
Wheatley is a standout athlete who has reached the elite level in her chosen sports.
Her passion for hockey and unwavering dedication earned her a place in the Australian under-18 hockey team.
Beyond hockey, Wheatley has also excelled in rugby league and is a Burleigh Bears Harvey Norman junior representative.
Committed to giving back, she dedicates her time to mentoring young athletes through refereeing and coaching.
Through her achievements and leadership, she hopes to inspire the next generation, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Elanora State High School
Troy Barr
“Basketball has been a huge part of my life and I am committed to pushing myself
to the highest level possible,” Barr said.
“I have represented the Oceanic team and currently compete in the AAU Australia Brisbane Classic, which has helped me develop my game and gain valuable footage to work towards a college scholarship in the USA.
“I play point guard/shooting guard and pride myself on my ability to lead on the court.
“I also compete in numerous Gold Coast basketball competitions, further developing my skills and gaining valuable experience.
“Later this week, I will be competing in regionals for basketball, and in July this year, I will be travelling to America with Strive Basketball Australia to gain exposure, compete against top talent, and further my chances of playing at the collegiate level.
“Off the court, I am currently studying a Certificate III in Sports Coaching, which has given me a deeper understanding of the game and helped me develop leadership skills that I apply
both in basketball and in my role as sports captain.
“My ultimate goal is to play professional basketball at the highest level, and I am determined to put in the work to make that a reality.
“Being a sports captain allows me to lead by example, support my teammates, and encourage others to chase their goals just as I am chasing mine.”
Helensvale State High School
Madison Blom - Apollo House Captain
Hemi Morehouse - Apollo House Captain
Cayde - Apollo House Captain
Amarli - Bunjil House Captain
Max Reeson - Bunjil House Captain
Caitlyn Donnelly Bunjil - House Captain
Abby McMullen - Habrok House Captain
Hayden Heinemann - Habrok House Captain
Oscar Hope - Habrok House Captain
Carlee Smith - Kahu House Captain
Jira Chawankapanya - Kahu House Captain
Jaylen Scheib-Prasad - Kahu House Captain
Merrimac State High School
Harrison Mead
Mead is a football and cross country star.
He was the Merrimac age champion for cross country in 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024 and made regionals in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
He has been a part of the Gold Coast United and Gold Coast Knights youth football programs and is currently a member of the Broadbeach FQPL1 under-23s side.
Mitch Noble
“I have consistently excelled across multiple sports and competitions,” Noble said.
“I earned age champion in 2020, 2023, and 2024, showcasing my all-around athletic ability. “Since starting high school, I’ve competed at district level in high jump, long jump, triple jump and 200m, earning numerous first and second place medals.
“In basketball, I’ve competed at the Queensland State Championships and played in the AAU under-16’s competition.
“I have also represented the Gold Coast in the under-18’s Division 2 representative basketball and play club basketball for the Celtics Division 1 during the winter season.
“Additionally, I proudly play for my school’s basketball team.
“My qualifications for being named sports leader, are being Junior School Captain in 2022, Peer mentor in 2023, sport leader in 2024 and an all around good student.”
Miami State High School
These students exemplify the true spirit of sportsmanship, consistently serving as role models for their peers through their motivation, teamwork, and enthusiasm in all sporting activities.
As Sports House Captains, they inspire and guide their houses, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie, commitment, and excellence in sports.
Abbi O’Shea and Ayla Newman – Alinta House Leaders
Ashlee Peters and Alela Kara-Pittman – Bindana House Leaders
Maggie Hamilton and Rilka Bell – Iluka House Leaders
Lauren Mitchell and Slade Bailey – Rakumba House Leaders
Nerang State High School
Aleesha Slyp and Jasper Harris
Ormeau Woods State High School
Axel Vella - House Leader
Vella is a highly qualified soccer referee and also represents the school senior soccer team.
Jacob Friend - House Leader
A talented boxer who last year represented Australia at the under-19 World Championships
in the USA.
Friend is the current youth men’s 55kg Australian champion.
He has been selected for the South Coast cross country team on multiple occasions and has been the Ormeau Woods SHS age champion multiple times as well.
Emily Mitchell - House Leader
Mitchell is a highly accomplished touch football and rugby league player and has represented the school in touch football.
Charlotte Nash - House Leader
Nash is a swimming teacher of young children and an avid swimmer herself.
She is also highly competitive in distance running and has made Pacific District for cross country in the 800m and 1500m.
Pimpama State Secondary College
Jaxson Cruise Dunlop House Prefect
Max Dean Jones Dunlop House Prefect
Raphaella Bunting Dunlop House Prefect
Taylor Newland Flynn House Prefect
London-Marie Mataafa Flynn House Prefect
Indya McWilliam Flynn House Prefect
Jacob Harvey Wake House Prefect
Madison Hyatt Wake House Prefect
Lachlan Wake House Prefect
Robina State High School
Jack Gardner
“I have excelled in school competitions, earning titles as both the Swimming Age Champion
and Athletics Age Champion,” Gardner said.
“Additionally, I was named the 16 Years Oceanic District Swimming Age Champion.
“Beyond school sports, I play AFL for Broadbeach Cats and have also competed in long-distance running events.
“My passion for sports and desire to make a difference for my fellow students have led me to
the leadership position I hold today.”
Aseri Raudont
“I am a Sports Prefect at Robina State High School and have actively participated in all
school sports carnivals, progressing to the South Coast level for running,” Raudont said.
“As a dedicated member of the Sports Academy for Futsal and Football, I have contributed to winning trophies and take great pride in my achievements.
“My passion for sport led me to this leadership role, allowing me to represent both my school and fellow students through sport.”
Ella Bell
“I am a dedicated athlete and leader, actively involved in school sports and a proud member
of the Futsal and Football Academy,” Bell said.
“I have played soccer for eight years with Robina and Gold Coast Knights Football Club, where I also coach.
“Additionally, I have competed in futsal for Galaxy FC, further developing my skills at a high level.
“My passion for sport and commitment to teamwork have led me to this leadership role, where I strive to inspire and represent my peers with pride.”
Southport State High School
Eva Bojanovic - Sports captain
Bojanovic was a part of the 2023 Gold Coast Suns Academy and represented Queensland for basketball in 2020.
Barnabas Berezvay - Sports captain
Emily Bubb - Bribie House captain
Bubb is the captain of the open rugby league team and has played in the Titans Cup since she was in year 9.
She is a talented field athlete, having represented the school at districts and regions for shot put, discus and javelin.
She participated in club athletics at Runaway Bay from under-7 to under-16 level and went to states for shot put and discus.
She has also been a prominent member of the Parkwood Sharks community, coaching an under-11 girls side in 2024 and playing for the Sharks as a prop and second row since 2022.
During that time, she took home the players’ player award in 2022 and 2023 and was the junior clubman of the year in 2023
Edina Chisalita - Bribie House captain
Chisalita is a rising talent in the basketball scene, as she brings NBL1 experience with the Gold Coast Rollers and is a South Coast and Gold Coast basketball junior rep.
Jameson Harris - Karragarra House captain
Harris was the 2024 Gorge Harvey Leadership award winner for Little Athletics Queensland.
He plays QSPL soccer for school and is a promising star in the athletics scene.
In the National all Schools trials held in November last year, Harris placed fourth in long jump, fifth in high jump and fourth in triple jump.
He is also a volunteer coach for Ashmore Little Athletics.
Holly Franklin - Karragarra House captain
Sienna Nixon - Moreton House captain
Joel Paddon - Moreton House captain
Chelsie Stollery - Stradbroke House captain
Stollery plays for Runaway Bay Netball Club, rep netball for the Northern Gold Coast Netball Association, competes in the Southport Carrara Netball Association EPL and Gold Coast Cyclone Netball Super League.
She was also played in the Vicky Wilson Championship, Titans and Alliance Cups
Tamborine Mountain State High School
Dean Brackpool Sports Captain
Mitchell Sports Captain
Ilijiah Sports Captain
Riley Henderson Sports Captain
Georgia Kimpton Sports Captain
Malcom Sports Captain
Georgia Rogers Sports Captain
Noa Taylor Sports Captain
Upper Coomera State College
Amity Carmichael
Amity Carmichael is one of the sports captains for Perkins House, known for her strong
leadership and dedication.
As a member of the school’s Future Stars Academy, she excels both academically and athletically.
Alongside her sportsmanship, Carmichael is a fierce competitor in dance, showcasing her discipline and passion.
Her ability to balance academics, sports, and dance reflects her exceptional time management and commitment to excellence.
Marlee Watson
Marlee Watson is a dynamic sports captain for Freeman House, known for her strong
leadership and athletic achievements.
She has represented Broadwater in athletics and cross country, as well as competing in All Schools and inter-school touch.
Her passion, commitment and sporting excellence make her an inspiring leader and role model.
Tunney-Lee Marama
Tunney-Lee Murama is an exceptional sports captain for O’Neill House, celebrated for her
outstanding Rugby League achievements.
She is a key player in the Burleigh Bears Harvey Norman under-19s squad and has represented South Coast Rugby League.
In 2024, Marama was named Sports Person of the Year at the college, also earning spots with the Gold Coast Cyclones and as a Queensland Maori Representative.
Her skill, dedication and leadership inspires all around her.
Te Atamira Timu
Te Atamira Timu is a dedicated sports captain for Freeman House, admired for her
leadership and athletic accomplishments.
A member of the Future Stars Academy, she excels in both her studies and sports.
Timu has represented Gold Coast in the State Cup for touch football.
Her ability to motivate and lead others makes her an inspiring role model.
Ayaan Khan
Ayaan Khan is a passionate sports captain for Rafter House, known for his exceptional
cricket talent.
He has represented South Coast and serves as the Queensland indoor cricket vice-captain.
Khan is also a member of the school’s Future Stars Academy.
He also plays for his local club in Redlands, where his commitment to the sport continues to shine.
Connor Baxendine
Connor Baxendine is a standout sports captain for Perkins House, leading his own Oztag
team with strong leadership and skill and is an under-23 soccer player at Pimpama.
As part of the Future Stars Academy, Connor excels in both his athletic and academic pursuits.
His drive, skill, and leadership qualities make him a perfect sports captain.
Suvannah Stadlmann
Suvannah Stadlmann is a committed sports captain for Rafter House, known for her skills in
Oztag and her growing talent in Rugby League.
Stadlmann demonstrates great leadership both on and off the field, guiding her teammates with responsibility and respect.
Zizo Mugharbel
Zizo Mugharbel is a standout sports leader, serving as the open boys basketball captain
and sports captain for O’Neill.
He was the North Gold Coast MVP in 2024/25 with the Pimpama Pelicans and Most Improved Player in 2023.
His elite defence earned him the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022 with the North Gold Coast Seahawks.
Emmanuel College
Football Open A Girls - Jessika Barac
Barac has represented Hinterland District and South Coast on several occasions and is a member of the Gold Coast Knights NPL squad.
Football Open A Boys - Lucas Campaniello
Campaniello is a Coomera under-18s premiership player and competed at the 2024 IberCup in Portugal where he won a gold medal as part of the Australia select team.
Hockey Open A Girls - Leah Jongbloed
Jongbloed is currently in year 10 and has represented Emmanuel College in hockey for the last eight years and captained the opens team in 2024 and 2025.
She is a multiple-time South Coast Regional Hockey representative and has also represented South Coast in cross country and athletics.
Hockey Open A Boys - Owen Jongbloed
Year 12, South Coast Representative in Hockey, APS District Representative in
Athletics and Cross Country. Represented Emmanuel College Hockey for 8 years.
Netball Open A - Emily Nicolaou
One of the rising stars of netball in the country, the year 12 student boasts an already impressive resume.
Nicolaou is a Hinterland and Queensland representative who has was a part of the Australian under-17s indoor netball side.
She is a dual gold medallist and team captain at the recent National Championships in Perth with mixed and girls’ teams.
First XV Rugby - Tristan Blair
Blair is the captain of the First XV rugby side and is a talented multi-code athlete.
In rugby union, he was the Emmanuel College under-16s MVP and has been a part of the program for 12 years.
However, he is also an impressive Aussie rules talent, captaining his club and representing Hinterland District.
Tennis Open A Boys - Ethan Yao
The year 12 student was a champion for yellow ball KDV sport in 2023 has represented Emmaunuel College in tennis for the last two years.
Tennis Open A Girls - Stephanie Lu
Lu is an impressive all-round athlete who has made Hinterland District athletics and cross country teams.
She made the South Coast regional cross country team and finished inside the top 10 in the 2024 Queensland Championships.
She is a Queensland cross country bronze medallist for the 1.5km relay in 2024 and on top of all that is a two-time tennis MVP for Emmanuel College.
Volleyball Open A Boys - Harrison Arnold
Arnold has been a part of the volleyball program for six years and competed in Queensland and Australian Schools Cup tournaments.
Volleyball Open A Girls - Anastasia Cooper
Another elite sporting talent who has excelled in various sports, Cooper has starred in volleyball, swimming and basketball in recent years.
She has made Australian Schools Cup and Flaming Chalice Championships volleyball squads.
Cooper has represented Hinterland District in swimming for the last eight years, has competed in the club swimming national championships and was the Emmanuel College girls’ basketball MVP for 2024.
Swimming Team Boys Captain - Jesse Clayton
Clayton was a backstroke member of the 2023 national relay team for Emmanuel College, has qualified for the state five times at club and school levels and has been a part of the Emmanuel swimming program since he was eight years old.
Swimming Team Girls Captain - Alisha Teng
Teng has competed at five straight Queensland Swimming Championships, has represented South Coast for the last four years and was a club representative since she was 11 years old.
A.B. Paterson College
Amelia Wolff
As the 2024 South Coast track and field tepresentative for the hammer throw and shot
put, and a dedicated member of the APS track and field team, Wolff has proven her
strength and skill across demanding events.
Beyond the track, she leads with distinction as the Open A basketball captain, guiding her team to a silver medal in the CBSQ Open Girls competition in 2024.
Wolff’s achievements and leadership qualities make her an exemplary sports captain and a role model for her peers.
Jessica Passmore
Passmore was the 2024 Queensland Club Track and Field representative for the hammer
throw and the South Coast Track and Field representative for both the hammer throw and
400m hurdles.
She is a key member of Associated Private School (APS) swimming, cross country, the track and field team and leads as the Open A volleyball captain.
Her dedication and achievements make her a remarkable sports captain and an inspiration to her peers.
The Southport School
Ross Beedle - Sailing captain
Beedle was a part of the 2025 South Queensland Schools racing team which claimed victory.
In addition to sailing, he is captain of debating, a great leader having launched his sailing career in TSS Prep school and now supports the Tackers program at Southport Yacht Club in his spare time.
Beedle and skipper Emerson Wheeler from the TSS Gold fleet have been selected in
the Australian National Youth Squad and will be training in Melbourne in the 2934 class these holidays.
James Kershaw - Overall GPS tennis captain
Kershaw moved to TSS from South Africa in year 7 and has been a force to be reckoned with in the tennis scene.
He was the top player in his year level from year 7 to 11 and reached a highest UTR rating of seven.
Kershaw is a fantastic role model from a well-rounded, athletics and academics perspective.
Shabad Singh - First IV captain
Singh moved to TSS from India in 2023 and is the No.1 player for First IV in both singles and doubles.
He currently has a UTR of 10.1 and has competed in various world junior tournaments.
He boasts a world class backhand which is his biggest on-court strength, meanwhile in school, he is a straight A student.
Ash McGrath - Basketball captain
McGrath has played rep basketball since under-12s and has represented Queensland at the National Championships at both under-16 and under-18 level.
He has won mutliple GPS titles, a state championship and a national championship with the First V TSS team.
Outside of TSS, he players for the Logan Thunder at NBL1 level.
McGrath hopes to keep leading and holding the standards that have been laid ebfore him in the TSS basketball program and also hopes to make the NCAA American college basketball system in 2026.
Matthew Kalogeropoulos - Swimming captain
Kalogeropoulos is a passionate, emotive and urgent leader.
He is a great speaker and has connected the swimming team to the supporters.
As a team leader, he is an inspirational figure for the group and drives the best out of his fellow students, providing the team with clear and consistent foals all year and reminding them the reason why they train and compete – for the school.
He has represented TSS since year 7 and finished his final GPS competition with a third place in the opens 100m butterfly and a win in the opens 4 x 50m medlay relay.
Thomas King - Golf captain
“I started playing golf recreationally when I was three, but started playing tournaments when I was seven,” he said
“I love the game of golf for the history of if, and also the various different ways people can play golf.
“People can have so many unique swings and different styles of playing golf.
“I play most of my golf at Royal Pines but I am also a member of The Brisbane
Golf Club where I play in their senior pennants team.
“My handicap is +2.
“The biggest event I played in the last 12 months was the Australian Junior Amateur in Perth.
“I have won a few times around southeast Queensland and north NSW.
“My aspirations for the future are to get a scholarship to an American university
and become a professional golfer.”
Dushyant Thaman - Cricket captain
A TSS student since year 7, Thaman has become an integral part of the school’s highly successful cricket team.
He has been a key contributor to the TSS GPS cricket three-peat and his left-arm orthodox spin makes him a dangerous weapon in the bowling arsenal.
He recently represented Queensland U17s with distinction at the national championships where he was both a containment bowler, but also a wicket taker who dismissed eight batters in his last four matches.
Thaman also had a strong Taverners’s club season for South Brisbane with both ball and bat.
He is a humble young man who leads with his actions and works hard at his game.
He couples this to great efforts with his academics.
Harrison Howard - Rowing captain of boats
Howard was a member of the team which was crowned 2025 Head of the River Champions and therefore reclaimed The O’Connor Cup.
In addition, the Shed won the The Old Boys Cup at Wyaralong Dam
He is a Bronze medallist for the Schoolboy 8+. at the 2025 nationals held in Tasmania.
Champion surfer’s brain injury battle to be lifelong journey
Former world tour surfer Owen Wright says the battle with his brain health will be a lifelong journey in the aftermath of the concussions that nearly killed him. This is why.
Reds as ready as they’ll ever be to make history in Super W final
There is extra motivation for Reds scrumhalf Layne Morgan in this Saturday’s Super Rugby Women’s grand final against the Waratahs.