The annual UWA Sports Awards, held on Wednesday 19 October at the University Club, celebrated the achievements of UWA clubs and student athletes over the past year.

The afternoon, presented by author, writer and rugby commentator, Mick Collis, was attended by a variety of members of the UWA Sport community. Special guests included Deputy Vice-Chancellor David Sadler, Convocation Chair Nee Nee Ong, members of the Sports Advisory Council and UWA Sport board members.

Club Service Awards were received by Aaron Fudge (UWA Fencing Club) and Shrudeep Suresh (UWA Basketball Club). Club Letters were awarded to Alex Di Medio (UWA Athletics Club), Cruz Hogan (UWA Athletics Club), Nina Kennedy (UWA Athletics Club), Jackson Hamilton (UWA Athletics Club), Declan Tingay (UWA Athletics Club), Lyn Foreman (UWA Athletics Club), Bernard Greyling (UWA Cricket Club), Ian Thacker (UWA Cricket Club), Christopher Morely (UWA Boat Club), Isabella Emery (UWA Boat Club) and Tessa Bevilacqua (UWA Boat Club). This year three sporting clubs hit milestone anniversaries which was celebrated with the presentation of a plaque. A special mention to UWA Baseball and Softball Club (75th Anniversary), UWA Karate Club (50th Anniversary) and UWA Taekwondo Club (50th Anniversary). Several sporting bursary winners were also recognised at the awards.

The theme of the awards focused on the success and journey of Maali. Key representatives of team Maali in various sporting codes joined the panel discussion. All panellists were able to share what it means to wear the Maali jersey and spoke about memorable ‘Maali moments’ this year.

Coach of the Year was awarded to UWA Maali Women’s UBL Head Coach Kerry Clarke in recognition of her outstanding contribution. The award acknowledges Clarke’s ability to work tirelessly behind the scenes and her contribution to the club in the areas of performance, participation, and inclusivity over the past 12 months. Kerry as head coach, has positively impacted the UWA Maali women’s UBL team by not only creating an environment where competitive sport can thrive but also creating a positive overall student experience. A prominent figure in the basketball community, Kerry has drawn on knowledge from her past experience and has installed the significance of representing UWA on the national stage. This year Kerry has been tireless in her pursuit to build a deep connection with UWA Maali athletes. Clarkes commitment to the growth of the sport and passion in coaching has her held in high regard by opposition teams and coaches.

The Champion Club award is one of the most hotly contested awards each year for the club that demonstrated excellence in the areas of participation, performance, and inclusion over the past 12 months. The 2022 Champion Club award was awarded to the UWA Athletics Club. A special award for the club that hasn’t won this prestigious award since 1989. In 2022, UWA Athletics Club has had success in its participation, performance, and inclusion measures. In addition, 11 UWA Athletic Club athletes represented UWA at the UniSport Nationals hosted on the Gold Coast in April. The Club had athletes and coaches represent Australia in the Tokyo Olympics, Oceania Athletics Championships, 2022 World Athletics Under 20 Championships, 2022 World Athletics Indoor Championships, 2022 World Athletics Championships Oregon, 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2022 World Athletics Race Walk. Notable mention to the inclusive initiatives of the club that hosts over 300 members, some highlights include UWA Run Club and the Annual Big 6 Event – including an all-abilities race as part of the programming.

The 2022 Sports Star of the Year was awarded to student athlete, 2022 Commonwealth Gold Medallist and 2022 Suncorp Super Netball Premiership player Courtney Bruce. Current UWA student Courtney Bruce is regarded as one of the leading defenders in Australia. The West Coast Fever captain had a remarkable year finishing the Suncorp Super Netball season with a league-high 97 deflections and 97 gains, equal leader for defensive rebounds and second-ranked for intercepts. Capturing the club’s first ever premiership was only the beginning with Bruce collecting her first Commonwealth Games gold medal in Birmingham with the Australian Diamonds.

Congratulations to all award winners and thank you to all who attended.