Trinity Women’s Basketball Team has received national recognition after a sensational year on the court, being named Team of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Student Sport Ireland (SSI) Awards. Accepting the award on behalf of the team were Hannah Murphy, outgoing women’s captain for the 2024/25 season, and Ciara Mulligan, who will lead the side into the 2025/26 season.
The team was also celebrated on campus, winning Team of the Year at the Trinity Sport Awards 2025, which took place in the historic Dining Hall of Trinity College Dublin on Wednesday 7 May. The awards ceremony recognises outstanding contributions across all Trinity sports clubs, and this year the Women’s Basketball team stood out not just for their performances, but for their leadership, unity and example as role models within the college community.
The Women’s Basketball Team was recognised for their outstanding 2024-5 season, completing a flawless 12–0 run to secure both the student league and cup titles. Blending experienced leadership with exciting new talent, the team maintained their unbeaten streak from start to finish. Their campaign culminated in a dominant 55–31 victory over long-time rivals UCD in the Varsity Finals, securing the double for a second consecutive year. This remarkable achievement highlights the strength, depth, and determination of a truly exceptional squad.
Trinity Sport and Trinity Women Basketball at SSI Awards 2025
Trinity Women’s Basketball Team's 2024/25 season was truly one for the history books. The team completed an undefeated campaign across the Division 1 NBCC League and the D1 Varsity Championship, finishing the year with a flawless 12-0 record. This dominant run saw them overcome top teams including DCU, UCD, University of Galway and Ulster University, with a remarkable average win margin of 21 points. In the league final, Trinity overturned an early deficit to beat a strong DCU side 81–59, with Alex Mulligan earning Finals MVP. In the Varsity final, they produced a commanding 55–31 win over UCD, with Avelina Moley Stoltz named MVP for her second-half scoring heroics. Across both tournaments, standout performances came from Emma Merriweather, Lisa Blaney, Franciska Treiliha, Ciara Mulligan, and captain Hannah Murphy. Both Emma Merriweather and Hannah Murphy were named All-Stars for their outstanding performances throughout Varsities, with Merriweather also receiving the prestigious Basketball Ireland Division 1 Female Collegiate Player of the Year award - a testament to her dominance on both ends of the floor and her vital role in Trinity’s undefeated run.
Trinity Women's Basketball Division 1 team celebrate their 2025 intervarsity win
Another historic moment came as the team triumphed over UCD in the first Women’s Colours game in 25 years, played in March. Missing several players due to Superleague commitments, the squad - coached on the day by Ciara Mulligan and Franciska Treiliha -fought back from an early double-digit deficit to win 53–48. Hannah Murphy was named MVP after a 24-point performance, while Bree Shelley was also instrumental, hitting a crucial three-pointer in the closing minutes to give Trinity the lead. The game was a powerful display of the team’s depth and talent, with players stepping up in unfamiliar roles and delivering under pressure.
This year’s success was underpinned by the squad’s remarkable depth and experience, featuring players competing across the Superleague, Division 1, BIDL, and Dublin Leagues, as well as multiple Irish internationals and others with extensive international youth experience. Coached by Hillary Nets, who also led Trinity Meteors in the Superleague this season, the team demonstrated exceptional talent, depth of experience, and high basketball IQ - hallmarks of a group that dominated every challenge thrown their way.
The 2024-5 Trinity College Women’s Varsity team delivered a season for the ages. With an undefeated record, two national titles, and now crowned Team of the Year by both Trinity and Student Sport Ireland, this team has etched its name permanently in Irish college basketball history. Their legacy is not just in the trophies but in the unity, excellence, and pride they brought to Trinity College.
The Squad
Captain: Hannah Murphy
Vice Captain: Ciara Mulligan
Roster: Hannah Murphy, Ciara Mulligan, Alex Mulligan, Emma Merriweather, Lisa Blaney, Franciska Treiliha, Avelina Moley Stoltz, Sinéad Boyle, Clodagh O’Brien, Aoibhin Dunne, Ailbhe Ryan, Riona Grealy, Bree Shelley, Aisling Courtney, Eleanor Fitzsimons, Aoibhinn Walsh, Sarah Kenny, Claudia Hongisto
Coach: Hillary Nets
Further information
Student Sport Ireland National Student Awards 2024-25