“At BGS, there is an emphasis on playing sport and keeping active from an early age, regardless of ability, so we’re always encouraged to get involved and give things a try.”

Meet Eva Lockett

YEAR 13 STUDENT – 2020/21

We caught up with Eva Lockett, BGS’s Senior Netball Club Captain, who’s recently been selected to play for the Leeds Rhinos Netball Academy U19 squad. In addition to this tremendous achievement, Eva has also been named captain for the side.

As Eva’s time as a BGS student is coming to an end, we also found out more about her time at School and her fondest memories.

When did you join BGS?

I joined the Junior School (Clock House) in Year 6 so I’ve been at BGS for eight years.

What’s your earliest memory of joining BGS?

I remember, before I’d even started, receiving a letter welcoming me to the School. It had been written by Hannah C, who has become one of my closest friends.

When did your love for netball start?

I’d never actually played netball before joining BGS, so I guess I’d have to say joining the School is what developed my passion for netball. The sports facilities are great, especially with the recent developments – even if it does get a little chilly in winter in the Sport’s Barn!

How did BGS help develop your love for netball?

At BGS, there is an emphasis on playing sport and keeping active from an early age, regardless of ability, so we’re always encouraged to get involved and give things a try. It’s because of this that my love for netball began and grew.

What is/are your favourite lesson(s)?

My favourite lesson would have to be A Level PE – although we work hard and learn a lot, the class is small, and we all get along really well. It’s never a chore to go to the lessons!

Who is/are your favourite teacher(s)?

This is a difficult question! I don’t really have one favourite teacher – they’re all so good, but Miss Miller (Head of PE Qualifications) has got to be up there with the best. And of course, Miss Smith as well (Specialist Sports Coach – Netball)!

Do you take part in any other clubs/co-curricular activities?

I play saxophone in the Orchestra, Concert Band, Big Band, Dixieland Crackerjacks and Saxophone Group which all take place either before School or during lunchtimes. I also do lifeguarding.

Do you play netball outside of BGS?

I play for Leeds Athletic Netball Club – Seniors (LANC) and the U19 Leeds Rhinos Academy Squad, where I was recently named captain. I haven’t been playing for LANC recently due to the COVID-19 restrictions which limits our crossover between the community and elite sport levels, but once restrictions have been lifted, things will hopefully go back to normal.

How did you remain focused/train during the last year?

It was hard to stay motivated during the period of lockdown. I think everyone found it difficult to stay on top of our training schedules. I just thought about how the sessions would benefit me when we finally got back on court post COVID!

How do you balance your academic and sport commitments?

Being organised and trying to stay on top of everything is so important so that I don’t fall behind and end up feeling stressed.

Who are your role models?

I listen to ‘The High Performance Podcast’ and always feel so motivated by what they talk about so I wouldn’t really say I have a single role model – it’s the different people who speak on the podcast that inspire me.

You have achieved so much during your time at BGS and are inspirational for the younger netballers who see you as a role model. How else have you helped them?

I don’t really see myself as a role model! During the period of online learning, myself and a few other senior netballers ran an online Q&A session with the younger netballers which was really good. I hope they found it beneficial – I really enjoyed it.

What do you enjoy most about being at BGS?

All the opportunities that the School has to offer and of course being with my best friends all day, every day.

What is your favourite memory?

The ski trips are something I’ll always remember from BGS. They’re always so much fun!

What is your proudest moment?

It would probably be getting good grades in my GCSEs and also being named captain for Leeds Rhinos.

You are now in your final week at BGS – what are your plans for after BGS?

I hope to go to university to study French with Business & Management.

What will you miss most about BGS?

Seeing my teachers and friends every day.

Finally, how would you describe BGS in three words?

Encouraging, supportive and inclusive.

“The sports facilities are great, especially with the recent developments – even if it does get a little chilly in winter in the Sport’s Barn!”

Eva Lockett