“The blue ribbon runs deep in the Rowing community at St Catherine’s,” shares retiring Heyington Club President, Mrs Sophie Cooper. “Four of the last five Presidents are Old Girls: Ms Louse Lampard (‘79), Lucy Fortey (King ‘90), myself and newly elected 2022 President, Mrs Felicity Bongiorno (Miller ‘87). 

“I was lucky enough to row in the first year St Catherine’s introduced Rowing. I have many fond memories from my time at School and I am so grateful my daughter, Chloe has shared my St Catherine’s Rowing experiences.” 

Over the past four years of Sophie’s involvement in The Heyington Club she has experienced the highs of competition Rowing, “this year when our Senior eight crews won the Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta for the first time in St Catherine’s history. This was a very emotional day for all involved,” to the lows of COVID-19 restrictions, “In March 2020, I had to deliver a speech to our Rowing girls and parent group following on from the Barwon River event being cancelled. Everyone was in tears as we had also just found out Nationals was cancelled as well. Speaking at such a sad time was very hard.” 

Reflecting on her Heyington Club tenure, Sophie recalls advice from retiring President, Lucy Fortey, “Lucy told me I would miss being part of Heyington when it was time to leave. There were times when I didn’t believe her but now, I know exactly what she meant. It has been an honour to be a part of such a fabulous community,” says Sophie. 

Thank you, Sophie for all your organisation, passion and leadership of The Heyington Club and St Catherine’s Rowing.