SETU students earn national accolades at the SSI Awards, with Kate Hickey and Ellen Donnelly recognised for sporting success and club leadership.
Two South East Technological University (SETU) students have taken centre stage at the Student Sport Ireland (SSI) National Student Awards 2024–25, with Kate Hickey named Sports Person of the Year and Ellen Donnelly receiving the Leadership Award.
Student Sport Ireland (SSI) is the national governing body for third-level sport in Ireland, promoting student well-being through physical activity and sport, while also supporting elite athletes and student leadership. The annual awards recognise individuals who have made exceptional contributions to sport and student life across the country.
Kate Hickey receives SSI Sports Person of the Year 2025
One of Ireland’s most exciting young basketball talents, Kate Hickey has been named SSI Sports Person of the Year 2025, following a stellar season representing both SETU Basketball Club and SETU Waterford Wildcats.
Kate led SETU’s Waterford campus team through an unbeaten season, capturing both the League and Intervarsity titles with an 11–0 record. Her commanding display in the league final against Queen’s University Belfast earned her the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
On the national circuit, she was a key figure in guiding the Waterford Wildcats to their first Super League Regular Season Championship since 2001, contributing a standout 25 points in a decisive win over Fr. Mathews (Cork). Her efforts earned her the Basketball Ireland Women’s Super League Player of the Month title for October 2024.
Internationally, Kate wore the green jersey for Ireland in the EuroBasket Qualifiers, netting a dramatic buzzer-beater in a pivotal game.
I'm incredibly proud to represent SETU and to have been part of a team that won both the League and Varsities this year.
Kate Hickey SSI Sports Person of the Year 2025
Reflecting on her win, Kate said: “I'm incredibly proud to represent SETU and to have been part of a team that won both the League and Varsities this year. Being shortlisted for Sports Person of the Year is a huge honour and something I’m truly grateful for. It’s a reflection of the hard work, support from my teammates, coaches and SETU staff and the amazing journey we've had this season.”
Kate’s recognition by SSI crowns what has been an extraordinary year, marked by a string of personal and team accolades. In addition to her national award, she was named Waterford Sports Star of the Month in February 2025, received the SETU Sports Person of the Year award at the university’s annual Sports and Societies celebration in April, and was most recently honoured as Basketball Ireland’s Division 2 College Player of the Year in May.
Ellen Donnelly claims SSI Leadership Award 2025
Also celebrated at the awards was Ellen Donnelly, who received the SSI Leadership Award 2024–25 for her transformative work with the SETU Karting Club.
In her first year at SETU, Ellen helped rejuvenate the club expanding its membership, organising high-quality events, and fostering an inclusive culture that’s driven new levels of participation. She played a pivotal role in launching the first-ever all-female karting race, hosted by DCU Karting Club, where she went on to take the chequered flag herself.
Her contribution to student life and sport at SETU also earned her the Karting Person of the Year award at the university’s Sports and Societies Awards this April.
I'm truly honoured to receive this leadership award, especially in my first year at SETU.
Ellen Donnelly SSI Leadership Award Winner 2025
Reflecting on the award, Ellen stated “I'm truly honoured to receive this leadership award, especially in my first year at SETU. The Karting Club and the people in it have been such a huge part of making this year unforgettable, and I’m incredibly grateful to the Sports Office and staff for their support and belief in our small but passionate club. This recognition means so much to me.”
Spirit of student sport
Kate Kelly, General Manager of Sport at SETU’s Waterford Campus, praised both students for their commitment and achievements: “Kate and Ellen truly embody the spirit of student sport at SETU – excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to their communities. Their success this year speaks volumes about the energy and talent of our students. We’re proud to support them and thrilled to celebrate these national honours.”
Katie Redmond, Sports and Societies Manager at SETU, added her congratulations, joined by Sports and Societies Officer Shauna Fitzgerald: “Kate and Ellen’s achievements reflect the powerful sporting culture we’re building at SETU. Their dedication and influence within our student clubs is truly inspiring.”
