South West Sydney Academy of Sport Celebrates Night of Excellence

Written on the 14 August 2025 by SWSAS

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport (SWSAS) honoured the region’s top athletes, coaches, and volunteers at its 2025 Sports Awards Dinner, held at The Cube, Campbelltown Catholic Club. The night recognised excellence across sporting performance, leadership, academic achievement, and community contribution.

The event brought together dignitaries, sponsors, alumni, and sporting greats including NBL star Todd Blanchfield, WNBL athlete Piper Anderson, and Wests Tigers Head of Recruitment, Shannon Gallant and Co-captain Apisai Koroisau.

Major Award Winners

• Indigenous Person of the Year – AJ Coles (Baseball & Indigenous Athlete Program)
• Athlete with a Disability of the Year – Daniel Lill (Swimming) 
• Athlete of the Year – Isla Basa (BMX) 
• Chairperson’s Award – Zoe Bruce (Triathlon)

Volunteer & Coaching Excellence

• Support Staff Member of the Year – Joanne McClure (Softball)
• Young Coach of the Year – Emily Paulic (Basketball)
• Coach of the Year – Marsheal Walker (Softball)
• QUBE Coach Recognition Awards honoured coaches for 3, 5, and 10 years of service, including Platinum recipient Jan Cleary (Netball)

Academic Achievement

• Western Sydney University Award for Academic Excellence – Emily Paulic (3x3 Basketball)

Sport Program Coaches Award Highlights
Athletes from across 15 sport programs were recognised for their commitment, performance, and development, including:

• Alexis Rootsey & Jake Diver – 3x3 Basketball
• AJ Coles – Baseball
• Ezaiah Edwards – Basketball
• Ethan Dogger – BMX
• Ariana Abella – Golf
• Hannah Robinson & Daniel Kitsoukilias – Hockey 16s
• Jasmine Scott & Darcy Ryder – Hockey 18s
• Isabella Stephens – Indigenous Athlete Program
• Aaliyah Ngatai-Te Pania – Netball Athlete
• Erin Ward – Netball Umpire
• Rose Santana & Jack Dougherty – Softball
• Matthew Fosse – Triathlon
• Chelsea Herborn & Jericho Anetelea – Volleyball
• Lachlan Orchard & Ava Olic – Wests Future Stars
• Ava Edwards – Wests Future Stars Para Athlete

SWSAS CEO Gerry Knights praised the award recipients:

“These awards celebrate not only sporting excellence, but the values of leadership, resilience, and contribution to our community. Our athletes, coaches, and volunteers represent the very best of South West Sydney sport.”

Check out the best images from the night, courtesy of Luke Fuda Photo and Videography below,