2023 Bryden Girl - Makanakaishe Lusiyano

Overview: Makanakaishe Lusiyano’s journey from a quiet, book-loving Grade 1 student to the 2023 Bryden Girl and Sports Girl is a powerful story of determination, growth, and extraordinary achievement in both academics and sport.

Image: Makanakaishe Lusiyano

2023 Bryden Girl - Makanakaishe Lusiyano

I began my primary school journey in 2017 as a quiet, shy, reserved, introverted, and determined grade one student. I was unaware of the potential I had and all the achievements I was yet to accomplish. I was quite bright and enjoyed my alone time, whether I was sitting in Mrs. Pondwa’s classroom playing chess with the upper grades, reading a library book, or practicing my recorder.

At that time, I wasn’t very athletic and struggled with sports. When COVID hit, I saw it as an opportunity to improve. I started exercising more to get fit, practicing sports like hockey, and doing sprints in the backyard. In 2020, I received an honors grade at the NIAA music festival for a solo grade 2 recorder piece.

Returning to school in grade 5 after COVID, I won the Victrix Ludorum at inter-house athletics, breaking two records in the 80m hurdles and the long jump. I also came runner-up at inter-house swimming.

My senior years were the best and brought achievements I had never dreamed of. I won the Victrix at inter-house athletics and broke several records. I also won the Victrix at inter-house swimming for both years. I played first team hockey and made the provincial team, as well as the U13 select Zimbabwe hockey team, both years. In grade 7, I was nominated to captain the hockey and tennis first teams, as well as the school athletics and swimming teams. I also won the NIAA national award for prose in my age group. Throughout all seven years at Bryden, I received the book award for attainment.