​“I had never thought that I would have the privilege to receive a Rector's award. It is the perfect way to end my university experience," says Hannah Calvert, captain of the Maties Women's Water Polo team and member of the South African Water Polo training squad. 

Calvert, a final-year BA Humanities student at Stellenbosch University (SU), is one of the 82 recipients of this year's annual Rector's Award for Excellent Achievement. The awards recognise and celebrate students' achievements in the areas of academics, sports, leadership, social impact, culture and service provision. Calvert received the award in the sports category and adds the Rector's Award to a list of many great moments in her life. 

Calvert, who “instantly fell in love with water polo," in Grade 4, has made her mark on the national and international sporting arena. 

She formed part of the South African Senior Women's Team at the EU Nations Tournament in Prague, Czech Republic, the Intercontinental Water Polo Championships in Sydney, Australia and most recently participated in the Tokyo Olympic Games. 

Reflecting on her experience at the Tokyo Olympic Games, Calvert says being selected for the team was one of the greatest moments of her life. “It was the most surreal moment in my water polo career. I had never thought that I would make the team." 

Calvert says preparations for the selection began in April 2020 and due to the impact of COVID-19, she had to attend live online gym sessions and train on a static bicycle. In December 2020, she had the opportunity to attend the first training camp and selection process in person. This was followed by monthly selection processes. 

Next year she plans to participate in the Fédération Internationale de Natation World Water Polo Championship in Japan in May and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, in July. After these competitions, she will put water polo on the backburner for a while for work and travel. 

“I will work at a summer camp in America for a few months, then head to a ski resort in Europe till the end of next year. I will still keep my fitness level up as I plan to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris." 

For now, Calvert plans on enjoying the last few weeks left of her student life at SU. “My student life has been amazing, and I have grown into the person I always wanted to be." 

Click here to read more about the awards and all the recipients.

​ *A total of 82 top Stellenbosch University (SU) students were recently honoured with Rector's Awards for excellence in academics, leadership, social impact, culture, sport and service provision. During the next few weeks, we will feature some of the winners.