For Olly, Class of 2022, life since leaving Crossley Heath has been defined by passion, purpose and some remarkable international opportunities.

While Olly describes his education at Crossley Heath as 'impeccable', he reflects that the most transformative part of his school experience was being introduced to basketball after his Head of Year encouraged 'an overly energetic kid' to attend an after-school club. That Tuesday afternoon changed everything.

Basketball has now been an integral part of his life for nearly a decade. After leaving school, Olly moved to Leeds, where he has worked at City of Leeds Basketball Club (COLBC) for the past three years. During that time, he has been involved in a wide range of programmes, from community sessions and Junior National League practices to major camps, including the UK’s largest basketball camp, Red Star Basketball Camp.

One of the most significant milestones in his coaching journey came last July, when he was invited to travel to Serbia with players from COLBC.

'Serbia is a little bit like Graceland for me in terms of basketball,' Olly explains. The country has a rich basketball heritage, and COLBC partners with FMP Arena near Belgrade, a club responsible for developing elite Serbian talent, including players who have gone on to compete internationally, including in the NBA.

'To be able to focus on the basics with masters of the game on such hallowed ground was special,' he said.

The Serbia trip marked a pivotal moment in what Olly describes as a period of significant transition. While abroad, he received confirmation that he had achieved a first-class degree in Law (delivered via text message!) just 30 minutes before a game. At the same time, he had already decided not to pursue a traditional legal career path.

Returning home, Olly stepped into a new role as a director of his family business, The PERFORM Experience Ltd, which focuses on protecting mental health to help people perform at their best.

'Mental Health Protection has always been a part of my life,' Olly reflects, recalling conversations with teachers during Sixth Form about how student wellbeing could be improved. He credits Crossley Heath as being vital not only to what he does now, but how he does it. 'Having teachers who gave so much of their time to me gives me the desire to pay it forward.'

Today, Olly sees a strong connection between sport and mental wellbeing. He believes that while people may not always speak about it directly, there is an intrinsic link between mental, physical and emotional health in any discipline.

'Ultimately, the best part of coaching and leading a team is not what you do but who you do it with.'

Looking back, Olly encourages current students to use their time at school to find their community.

'If I had to surmise one small bit of advice, it would be to use the time you have at school to find that community which gives back to you the most. Be open to trying different things. I was lucky enough to stumble into my favourite thing on a Tuesday afternoon in an after-school club, and you might too.'

Olly’s path is a reminder that some of the most defining opportunities are the ones you don’t see coming!