Women's volleyball side shortlisted for national student team of the year

Student athletes are celebrating after being nominated for a prestigious award following an unbeaten championship season.

The Essex Blades women’s volleyball team is in the running for the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) National Team of the Year award after an incredible season on the court.

In a historic achievement, they became the first volleyball team in University of Essex history to win the BUCS National Championship title without losing a single match.

Their nomination comes during a record-breaking year for student sport at Essex, as it burst into the top 30 sporting universities in the country.

With the women’s side clinching gold at the BUCS Big Wednesday finals—alongside victories for the men’s volleyball and women’s basketball teams.

Explore the incredible day in the gallery below:

Reflecting on the season, women’s head coach Alex Chinery said: “I’m incredibly proud of this group to once again be nominated for the BUCS National Team of the Year Award.
“It’s a fantastic achievement, reflecting the effort of everyone involved this season.

“To win our first BUCS National Championship title and become the first team in programme history to do so undefeated is a fabulous accomplishment.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of all the athletes and support staff who make this the best place to play volleyball in the country.”

The BUCS Awards will take place on July 17.