AN Alton student has won the Contribution of the Year award at Southampton Solent University’s annual Sports Awards.

Primrose Kavanagh, 19, is going into her third year studying for a BSc (Hons) in applied sport science at the university, and won not only bcause of her her performances for the university’s ladies basketball team, but also for her voluntary coaching at the Solent Sharks wheelchair rugby club.

Her role at Sharks has developed from helping with training drills to developing game-based coaching sessions. Last year, Primrose was promoted to coaching the new junior squad, and has led them in their last two sessions.

She says: “It’s absolutely incredible to have won the award. It just shows that the hard work I put in was rewarded and that makes me want to put more effort into it – planning better lessons and just going for it.”

She said of her course: “There’s a lot to it, but I enjoy it, especially the psychology aspect. For my dissertation, I’m hoping to look at motor imagery training on athletes with cerebral palsy – that’s something that really interests me.

“As coach for the wheelchair rugby team, I’ve noticed they struggle in learning game plays, so I’m really interested in using psychology and imagery training to try and make it an easier process for them.”

She added: “The London 2012 Paralympics made a massive impact on me. Through Alton College I started doing work experience at a local disability school within sport. I find it really rewarding – I love helping people.”