Ava deCooper Wride Receives Sport Scholarship at Quinnipiac University!

December 19, 2024

Upper 6 pupil, Ava deCooper Wride has been awarded a sports scholarship at the University of Quinnipiac, Conneticut. To celebrate this incredible achievement, we caught up with her to ask a few questions!


What inspired you to play ruby?

I started playing when I was 6 years old at Norwich Rugby Club and it was mostly inspired by my dad! A close family friend played and her brothers used to play so I went along one day and started playing with them! At that point I was playing with the boys and I went through the boys programme until I was 12 years old before the girls section started up.


Have you noticed a difference between playing girls rugby and playing boys rugby?

I was playing rugby with boys from quite a young age so there wasn’t that much of a difference. As a result, it was quite a smooth transition to then start training with girls.


How long have you been at Norwich School?

Since Lower 4 (year 7)


What sports do you play at Norwich School?

I play netball and hockey mainly.


How often do you train for rugby?

Twice a week, Tuesday evenings and Sundays.


Do you do lots of other fitness activities alongside this?

Playing other sports really helps and of course there’s the performance gym at the school which I use quite a lot.


Is rugby your favourite sport?

When I was younger it used to change but I think now I can say that it is my favourite.


Have you ever been injured playing rugby?

I broke my collarbone when I was younger and this year when I was playing I tore a ligament.


What inspired you to take rugby to the next level?

I love playing and then new opportunities came up and I went for it!


What opportunities specifically have you been offered?

I started playing County Rugby and then County Rugby put me forward for the PDG pathway which is the first step of the England pathway; I went to trials I got through!


What does that involve?

There are around 17 training sessions throughout the season and 4 playing opportunities. We train around London and playing opportunities are all over!


How do you fit all of this into your school career, especially being a Red Gown?

It kind of just happens!


Tell us about your recent university offer.

My dad used to live in America and he loved it. A lot of his friends went to American universities and they all had such a great time there. So we decided to look into a few American universities and took it from there.


Why specifically Quinnipiac University?

I looked around a few American Universities; I visited Brown University, for example, and I had spoken to some others but I really liked the feel of Quinnipiac. The campus is lovely, Brown was in the city centre and I didn’t really like that but Quinnipiac is open and in the mountains with trees around it and everyone was so friendly.


What was the application process for Quinnipiac?

It wasn’t a formal interview process. I spent time with the team that I would be in and the coaches and just getting a feel of what life would be like there. I didn’t actually have to play any rugby but I watched one of their home matches against Dartmouth which was fantastic.


What have you been offered?

I have been offered a full scholarship which means they cover 100% of my tuition, so I only have to pay for things like accommodation, food, books and general living costs.


How long is the course?

It is 4 years! Which sounds like a lot but when I finish I’ll only be 21.


What will you be studying? What qualification will you receive at the end?

They do it a little bit differently over there so you don’t have to pick one subject. In the first year you can choose from lots of different subjects, which you ‘minor’ in and after that you choose your ‘major’, which is the subject you specialise in.

 

Do you have any thoughts as to what that major will be?

Absolutely none! If I was going to university in this country I don’t think I would have any idea so it works very much in my favour; I can just see what I like!


What grades do you need to get to secure your place?

There isn’t a formal process like in the UK. They have seen my predicted grades so as long as I get something similar then they are happy for me to go.


What’s the dream, long-term?

I really don’t know, I think I just want to see what opportunities come from that and just enjoy myself.


What would you say to any young women who want to take part in women’s rugby?

I’d say it is one of the fastest growing sports out there so just get involved. Just think about women’s football and how much that has grown, especially since winning the Euros; I think it’s only a matter of time until the same thing happens for women’s rugby.


Has Norwich School helped you on your journey?

100%! In my overall sporting experiences here and my sporting ability, Norwich School has helped so much with my nutrition, psychology, and of course making friends.


How are you feeling about the journey ahead?

I am excited but I think I’m going to be quite nervous when the time comes around.

 

By Eleanor Lewis June 30, 2025
This year I had the pleasure of taking part in the Great Punt Run for the second time. Theo Great Punt Run is a full day of sailing where we aim to complete 50 nautical miles, sailing in a classical Norfolk punt from Whitlingham to Barton broad via Lowestoft. It was a challenge but the weather this year made it an incredibly enjoyable experience, due to the stable breeze and warm sunshine. We complete this amazing challenge in support of the Nancy Oldfield trust who support disabled people experience sailing on the broad and other water sporting activities they wouldn't otherwise have access to, and amazingly this year we managed to raise a whopping £1,500 pounds! I am so happy I got to support this incredible charity once again alongside another school pupil - Ralph Leftley and members of the Nancy Oldfield charity, and Mark Elson helming throughout the day. The day consisted of an early 7am launch and pressed on for 13 hours ending roughly around 8pm at the Trusts home centre. It was incredibly rewarding to be involved yet again and working with a new group of people was extremely fun.  My favourite part of the day was being able to trapeze (with a harness on o flatten the boat) for a long tack across the open Breydon Water which was the closest point to the sea of our route. Luckily for us the wind and the sun held out until our return home, keeping us going all the way to the end. A big thank you to all that supported us and I can't wait to hopefully continue supporting this amazing charity in the future!
By Eleanor Lewis June 30, 2025
It’s been a busy and exciting term of tennis across all age groups, with plenty to celebrate! The Senior Boys team entered a rebuilding phase after losing three key players, but their spirit never wavered. A strong start in the Glanville Cup included a confident win over Gresham’s, with standout performances from new captain Harry Philpott and George Snelling. Although they fell to Wymondham College in the next round, the team gained valuable experience, with Veron Hung stepping up superbly. A return fixture on Gresham’s grass courts proved tough, but promising signs are in place for next season. The U15 Boys had an outstanding season. Led by Rufus Snelling, they lost just once in a narrow tiebreak to Hethersett, before powering to 6–0 victories over both Gresham’s and Wymondham. They finished as county runners-up, with exciting depth in the squad for next year.  Our U15 Girls made a great impression in their debut county campaign. After a competitive match against Gresham’s, they were narrowly edged out by Wymondham in a thrilling deciding tiebreak. Their commitment and team spirit were widely praised. The U13 Boys were this term’s standout team, retaining the County Cup for a third year after a dramatic 4–3 win over Notre Dame. They now progress to the national stages — congratulations to all involved!
By Eleanor Lewis June 30, 2025
June proved to be a particularly busy month for our cricketers, as pupils juggled school trips, exams, and Duke of Edinburgh commitments, while several teams remained involved in their Cup final rounds. It has been an exceptionally successful term, with the 1st XI boys setting the standard by maintaining a two-year unbeaten record in the league — a tremendous achievement. The 1st XI girls also impressed with a superb cup run, reaching the fourth round before narrowly losing to the reigning national champions. The U15A boys enjoyed a remarkable term, advancing to the third round of the National Knockout with victories over Stamford and Warwick. They also reached the last 16 of the National T20, where they were eventually knocked out by a strong Epsom College side. Team Highlights · 15A Girls – Runners-up in the County Cup · 13A Girls – Runners-up in the County Cup · 12A Boys – County Cup finalists (final to be played later this term) · 14A Boys – Runners-up in the County Cup · 15A Boys – County Cup winners · 1st XI Girls – Memorable victory against the MCC The school has proudly hosted several Norfolk state school cricket festivals and competitions, further supporting the development of the sport within the wider community. A significant number of our pupils are also representing County Age Group squads this summer, with a busy schedule of fixtures ahead. Individual Highlights · Sam Reynolds – 100* against the Old Norfolkians · Bella Borges – Scored the first-ever century for the girls program. · Lewis Reeder – Selected to represent Northants 2nd XI and 7 /17 against St Joseph’s.  A heartfelt thank you goes to our ground staff, coaching staff, and administration team for their dedication and tireless work. Their commitment ensures our pupils have the best possible environment to compete, improve, and enjoy their cricket.
By Sonja Mitchell June 30, 2025
A fabulous day of activity was held in the Lower Close to celebrate Discover Your Ability Day.
By Sonja Mitchell June 30, 2025
With help from FONS, the Greenpower Team attended the 2025 Formula 24 Heats at the Lotus test track.
By Eleanor Lewis June 27, 2025
Norwich School support staff and resident DJ s; Ash Granados and Lily Fielding have a real passion for all things dance music, spending their weekends discovering new artists and playing out in Norwich and beyond. This academic year they have been dedicating their Friday lunchtimes to teaching the pupils of Norwich school their favorite hobby. Pupils are invited to send in some of their favorite tracks to share and connect with others across the school through their love for music. They have been learning the fundamentals of DJ ing and all about how to mix their music with others, whilst making friends and broadening their knowledge of electronic genres and the industry. DJ club will be continuing on in September 2025 and will be open to all.
By Eleanor Lewis June 27, 2025
On Thursday 19 June, Lower School hosted its first-ever aerial trial session — and what a hit it was! Pupils were thrilled to get their feet off the ground as they explored the basics of aerial movement, balance, and strength. The trial introduced pupils to a completely new set of skills, and staff were impressed by the enthusiasm and confidence shown by everyone who took part. Many pupils surprised themselves with how quickly they adapted to the new challenges. With the success of the session, the school is excited to launch regular aerial classes starting in September. It promises to be an exciting addition to the school’s extracurricular offering. Watch this space for details on how to sign up!
By Eleanor Lewis June 27, 2025
Lower One and Upper One pupils were beary excited to scoop a Gold Medal in the School Gardening Competition at this year’s Norfolk Show. Pupils entered a beautifully designed wheelbarrow display inspired by Michael Rosen’s much-loved book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt , which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. The display brought the story to life with inventive recreations of the iconic settings — the barrow contained "swishy swashy grass", a flowing river, a snowstorm and a deep, dark forest. Every detail was thoughtfully crafted to represent the habitats the family journeys through in the book. A particular highlight of our display was a life-size willow bear, created by pupils in our Willow Weaving Club using Brittany willow. This striking feature, nicknamed Brittany, captured the attention of judges and visitors to the show. Five of our Upper One pupils had the opportunity to speak to the judges at the Show. They confidently explained the ideas behind the display and talked the judges through all the hard work that went into creating the display. We are incredibly proud of all the pupils for their creativity, teamwork, and enthusiasm and we’re absolutely delighted to bring be awarded a Gold Medal!
By Eleanor Lewis June 27, 2025
13 U4 pupils recently took part in the online British Physics Olympiad Year 7/8 Physics Challenge. Over 6500 pupils participated from 81 schools across the UK and overseas. The test comprised two 25-minute sets of multiple-choice questions about physics ideas and problem solving, which aimed to encourage wider reading and interest in the subject and to provide an opportunity for pupils to take part in a national physics competition and to develop their confidence in the subject. Our pupils performed exceptionally strongly, obtaining 10 Gold and 3 Silver awards. Congratulations to all! Gold Awards Oscar Zhang Charles Secker Harrison Buskell Jack Johns Siya Patel Boden Barton Maxwell Ford Jiajun Li Faizaan Alam Rowan Kidd Silver Awards Amelia Lodge Bayden Choi Jack Conrad 
By Eleanor Lewis June 26, 2025
This year at the Norfolk Show we hosted t he Great Norfolk Ice Cream Challenge on our Norwich School Stand for the 2 nd year running – it was a huge success and great fun - it was fabulous to be able to help raise important fund for the Build Charity, with the help of Nelsonspirit and Ronaldos. It was also impressive to receive feedback after the event, especially for Tom Conrad who was the project manager for the day, and brilliantly led the project.
More Posts