The UniSport Australia Sports Awards
The UniSport Australia Sports Awards honour the outstanding achievements of student-athletes, university teams, and sport programs across the country. Rooted in a proud tradition of recognising excellence, these awards showcase the talent, spirit and impact of university sport; on campus, in competition, and beyond.
Emily Beecroft
Bachelor of Communications (Social Media), University of the Sunshine Coast
In 2024, Emily represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in Swimming. Winning gold in the Mixed 4x100m Freestyle relay and bronze in the Women’s 100m Butterfly S9.
She is also heavily involved in UniSC Sport, recognised by the organisation as a valued ambassador for her efforts in actively promoting student sport and fostering a strong campus sporting culture.
Anna Solomon
Bachelor of Social Work, Federation University Australia
Anna was Victoria’s inaugural First Nations netball team captain, and the first ever signing for the Gippsland Stars 23 & Under team. She is a coach’s dream with her strong leadership skills, athleticism, and willingness to share her knowledge. This circle defender can play further up the court, has great pace and is an excellent reader of the ball.
As a first-year student in 2024 and member of the Elite Athlete Program, Anna immersed herself in all the representative opportunities available. Driving engagement with fellow students to compete at Indigenous Nationals and being a leader of the Netball team at UniSport Nationals.
Charlie Pade
Bachelor of Project Management, The University of Sydney
In 2024, Charlie competed both domestically and internationally, steadily earning more ITF ranking points. Last October, he put up a strong fight to secure his second ATP point. These achievements have propelled him to a career-high ITF ranking of 337 and a position of 1587 in the highly coveted ATP rankings.
Charlie is also heavily involved at sport at his university, as a member of the Elite Athlete Program, CommBank Named Scholarship holder, Recipient of the Sydney Uni Blue, and receiving 1st place in the inaugural University Tennis League.
Jemima Montag
Doctor of Medicine, The University of Melbourne
Jemima won two bronze medals for Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in both the women’s 20km Race Walk and Marathon Race Walk Mixed Relay. This made her only the sixth Australian woman to win two medals in athletics at one Games. In winning her individual bronze, she also broke her own national record with a 1:26.25 performance in stifling conditions.
Camryn Newton-Smith
Master of Learning and Teaching (Primary), University of Southern Queensland
Roman dominated the High Jump event at the 2024 UniSport Nationals Athletics where he won the gold medal with a clearance of 2.23cm, which was a whopping 11cm clear of second place. The result had Roman placed as the third best Australian high jumper at the time, only behind two Olympians. This was his second straight gold medal in the high jump event at Nationals Athletics.
Roman Anastasios
Bachelor of Fine Arts, The University of Melbourne
Camryn had a record breaking year in 2024, with her key achievements including holding the Australian University Heptathlon record, and being the Australian University Nationals Champions for both the Heptathlon and 100m Hurdles events.
Camryn also had success outside of the university sport sector, as she was the Australian National Champion and Oceania Champion in Heptathlon, as well as a 2024 Paris Olympic Games representative.
UWA Sport – LGBTQIA+ Allyship in Sport Program
The University of Western Australia
Launched in December 2023, the UWA Sport LGBTQIA+ Allyship in Sport Program is a ground-breaking initiative and the first of its kind in Western Australia. This program has made significant strides in fostering an inclusive and welcoming sporting environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The program equips UWA affiliated sport clubs with the resources and training needed to champion LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Each participating club nominates a Club Active Ally, who undergoes specialised training to promote allyship, anti-discrimination principles, and respectful behaviours. By leveraging sport as a tool for social change, the program enhances awareness, strengthens community cohesion, and drives cultural shift towards greater inclusivity within the UWA sporting landscape.
Liam Tully
Bachelor of Commerce, The University of Melbourne
As the volunteer Athletics Team Manager for The University of Melbourne, a role he has undertaken for the past three years, Liam was responsible for recruiting the 2024 Nationals Athletics team. In 2024 a team of 21 men and 10 women competed, an increase of 40% on 2023, with both the men’s and women’s team finishing in 5th – a significant improvement on 8th/5th and 12th/11th finishes in 2023 and 2022 respectively.
Liam is also a volunteer committee member of the Melbourne University Athletics Club and contributes to many facets of the club’s operations. He was also the instigator of the club’s 2024 Big Freeze MND fundraising initiative after the passing of Club Stalwart and Intervarsity Coach, Terry Reade.
James Henderson
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Environment and Society, RMIT University
James was the volunteer Surf Club President from 2023 to 2024 while studying at RMIT University. During his tenure as President, James led a period of exceptional growth and engagement with 550 students participating in beginner surf lessons and record levels of involvement withing the RMIT community. He also founded Wattle, an initiative dedicated to revitalising the environment such as Yarra Riverbank through activities such as weeding, planting and mulching. James was also a passionate advocate for fundraising, raising over $15,000 for charities including MakeAWave and GoodSurf through the RMIT Surf Club.
While James has since stepped down as President and moved into a role with RMIT Student Life his legacy continues to inspire the club’s ongoing success.
RMIT Surf Club
RMIT University
The RMIT Surf Club demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to building the capacity of sport within the university by deliver water safety and surfing lessons to over 200 RMIT students during the 2024 academic year. They organised 22 diverse events aimed at engaging new students, particularly international students, in the sport of surfing.
The club promoted positive attitudes, behaviours, and culture within the university sporting community through various initiatives including Charity Gig Nights. These events promoted local student banks and raised $11,124 for the charities GoodSurf and SurfAid.
Amelia Smith
Graduate, The University of Melbourne
Amelia coached The University of Melbourne’s women’s basketball team to the gold medal at UniSport Nationals. Undefeated throughout the tournament’s four pool and three finals’ games, the team dominated all-comers to score 410 points for and only 212 points against, with an average winning margin of 27 points per game.
Her coaching class came to the fore in the finals where she managed tiring bodies and higher pressure games. Amelia’s player and game management was especially outstanding in the gold medal game where her coaching was arguably the difference between two highly talented teams.
Monash Cheer & Dance / Team Australia
Monash University
In 2024, Monash Cheer and Dance had the opportunity to represent Australia at the FISU University World Championships for Cheerleading and Dance. This was a prestigious opportunity that the teams secured through winning both the Cheer and Dance pennants at the UniSport Nationals in 2023. Last August, 52 athletes travelled to Croatia and represented Monash University and UniSport Australia at the championship coming away with:
Most Outstanding Performance by a Student-Athlete with a Disability
Curtis McGrath – Griffith University
Bachelor of Aviation Management
Most Outstanding Achievement by an Indigenous Student-Athlete
Emily Watts – The University of Sydney
Bachelor of Education (Health and Physical Education)
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance by a Student-Athlete
Jakara Anthony – Deakin University
Bachelor of Business
Student-Athlete of the Year (Female)
Cara Feain-Ryan – The University of Queensland
Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)
Student-Athlete of the Year (Male)
Reece Holder – Queensland University of Technology
Bachelor of Urban Development
Most Outstanding University Sport Project/Program
Women in Sport Leadership Retreat – Monash University
RMIT Sports Media Program – RMIT University
Most Outstanding Contribution by a Student Volunteer
Adila Abdul Halim – The University of Adelaide
PhD Astrophysics
Club Leadership Award
La Trobe University Football Club (AFL)
La Trobe University
Official of the Year
Jessica Musson – University of South Australia
Bachelor of Business
Team of the Year
USYD 3×3 Basketball Men’s Team – The University of Sydney
2022 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Performance by a Student-Athlete with a Disability
Tim Hodge – Western Sydney University
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Most Outstanding Achievement by an Indigenous Student-Athlete
Rae Anderson – The University of Sydney
Bachelor of Arts
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance by a Student-Athlete
Jemima Montag – The University of Melbourne
Doctor of Medicine
Female Student-Athlete of the Year
Quennie Laurentia – The University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Arts
Male Student-Athlete of the Year
Alastair Christie-Johnson – RMIT University
Bachelor of Applied Science (Property and Valuation) (Honours)
Most Outstanding University Sport Project/Program
RMIT Sport Academy – RMIT University
Most Outstanding Contribution by a Student Volunteer
Alexander Smyth – RMIT University
Bachelor of Science (Applied Science)/Bachelor of Business (Management)
Club Leadership Award
The Melbourne University Women’s Football Club (AFL) – The University of Melbourne
Official of the Year
Andrew Truong – University of South Australia
Team of the Year
Macquarie University 3×3 Basketball Team – Macquarie University
2021 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Performance by a Student-Athlete with a Disability
Jaryd Clifford (Para-Athletics) – The University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Arts
Most Outstanding Achievement by an Indigenous Student-Athlete
Caitlyn Costello – Bond University
Diploma of Business
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance by a Student-Athlete
Jessica Fox (Canoe Slalom) – Griffith University
Masters of Business Administration
Female Student-Athlete of the Year
Katja Dedekind (Para-Swimming) – University of the Sunshine Coast
Bachelor of Arts
Male Student-Athlete of the Year
Joel Rimes (Basketball) – The University of Melbourne
Doctor of Philosophy (Immunology)
Most Outstanding University Sport Project/Program
ECU Sport and Fitness – Edith Cowan University
Sport for Thought Program – University of the Sunshine Coast
Most Outstanding Contribution by a Student Volunteer
Belinda Rutherford – The University of Adelaide
Bachelor of Arts
Club Leadership Award
Melbourne University Lightning Netball Club – The University of Melbourne
Official of the Year
Tyler Miller – The University of Western Australia
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Team of the Year
The University of Sydney Water Polo Teams – The University of Sydney
2020 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Performance by a Student-Athlete with a Disability
Katja Dedekind (Para-Swimming) – University of the Sunshine Coast
Bachelor of Arts
Most Outstanding Sporting Achievement by a Student-Athlete
Madeleine Gough (Swimming) – Bond University
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Female Student-Athlete of the Year
Caitlin Adams (Athletics) – University of South Australia
Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Male Student-Athlete of the Year
Ben Tacey (Athletics) – University of the Sunshine Coast
Bachelor of Sport Studies
Most Outstanding University Sport Project/Program
The Strong Women Network, The University of Melbourne
Most Outstanding Contribution by a Student Volunteer
Douglas Howard, University of South Australia
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Medical Physics
Club Leadership Award
Melbourne University Soccer Club
Official of the Year
Jay McCracken (Basketball) – University of the Sunshine Coast
Team of the Year
UniSA Men’s Cycling Team – University of South Australia
2019 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Performance by an Athlete with a Disability
Jaryd Clifford (Para-Athletics)
Bachelor of Arts – The University of Melbourne
Most Outstanding Performance by an Indigenous Student-Athlete
Jemma Mi Mi (Netball)
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology – Queensland University of Technology
Most Outstanding Sporting Achievement by a Student-Athlete
Minna Atherton (Swimming)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science – Bond University
Female Athlete of the Year
Catriona Bisset (Athletics)
Master of Architecture and Diploma in Languages – The University of Melbourne
Male Athlete of the Year
Matt Denny (Athletics)
Bachelor of Business – Griffith University
Most Outstanding Contribution by a Student Volunteer
Tyson Lingham
Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science – RMIT University
Community Leadership
Casey Sims
Doctor of Philosophy – Queensland University of Technology
Official of the Year
Peter Rowe
University of South Australia
Tyler Miller
Bachelor of Arts (Major in Psychology) – The University of Western Australia
Team of the Year
University of Wollongong – Men’s Football Team
Most Outstanding Social Media Campaign
RMIT University
Most Outstanding Photo from a 2019 UniSport Nationals Event
Nick Sterkenburg
Macquarie University
2018 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Sporting Achievement:
Madison de Rozario (Para-Athletics) – Griffith University
Bachelor of Business
Most Outstanding Performance by a Student-Athlete with a Disability:
Lakeisha Patterson (Para-Swimming) – The University of Queensland
Bachelor of Architectural Design
Most Outstanding Performance by an Indigenous Student-Athlete:
Asha Steer (Orienteering) – The University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Environments
Female Athlete of the Year:
Laura Waldie (Rugby 7s) – Griffith University
Bachelor of Dentistry
Male Athlete of the Year:
Simon McTavish (Canoe Sprint) – The University of Sydney Bachelor of Project Management
Team of the Year:
Federation University Men’s AFL Team
The University of Sydney Women’s Football Team
Coach of the Year:
Nathan Doyle (Para-Swimming) – University of the Sunshine Coast
Community Leadership Award:
Deakin Dragons & Deakin University Alcohol Culture Change Project
2017 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Performance:
Jordan Mercer (paddleboard) – University of the Sunshine Coast
Most Outstanding Performance by an Student-Athlete with a Disability:
Hannah Macdougall (para-cycling) – La Trobe University
Most Outstanding Performance by an Indigenous Student-Athlete:
Courtney Hagen (cricket & basketball) – Australian Catholic University
Female Athlete of the Year:
Sian Whittaker (swimming) – Deakin University
Male Athlete of the Year:
Kyle Cranston (athletics) – Australian Catholic University
2006 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Team of the Year:
Macquarie University men’s 3×3 basketball team
Coach of the Year:
Chris Lucas (basketball) – Emerging Opals Head Coach
Community Leadership Award:
Kicking Goals Together Project – Australian Catholic University and
Queensland University of Technology
President’s Citation Award (Special Award):
The University of Queensland Aon Women’s Rugby 7s team
2016 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Performance:
Emilee Cherry (rugby union) – The University of Queensland
Most Outstanding Performance by a Student-Athlete with a Disability:
Ellie Cole (para-swimming) – Australian Catholic University
Most Outstanding Performance by an Indigenous Student-Athlete:
Ryan James (rugby league) – Griffith University
Female Athlete of the Year:
Amy James (rowing) – Queensland University of Technology
2006 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Male Athlete of the Year:
Cyrus Monk (cycling) – The University of Melbourne
Team of the Year:
Monash University 3×3 basketball team
Coach of the Year:
Michael Shaw (swimming) – The University of Western Australia
Community Leadership Award:
The University of Western Australia Hockey Club
2015 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance:
Bronte Campbell (swimming) – Queensland University of Technology
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance by an Athlete with a Disability:
Dylan Alcott (tennis) – The University of Melbourne
Male Athlete of the Year:
Dane Bird-Smith (athletics) – The University of Queensland
Female Athlete of the Year:
Holly Barratt (swimming) – The University of Western Australia
2006 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Team of the Year:
Women’s rowing team – The University of Melbourne
Coach of the Year:
Edward Denis (water polo) – Monash University
Community Leadership:
Raise the Bar Academy – The University of Melbourne
2014 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance:
Emma McKeon (swimming) – Griffith University
Male Athlete of the Year:
Sam Gilmour (sailing) – The University of Western Australia
Female Athlete of the Year:
Fiona Albert (rowing) – The University of Queensland
2006 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Team of the Year:
Sailing team – The University of Western Australia
Coach of the Year:
Bruce Vyvvan (swimming) – UNSW Sydney
Service to Sport Awards:
Bruce Ross – The University of Sydney
Amy Ryan – Queensland University of Technology
2013 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance:
Mathew Belcher (sailing) – Bond University
Male Athlete of the Year:
Chris Dyson (water polo) – University of Technology Sydney
Female Athlete of the Year:
Katie-Rae Ebzery (basketball) – The University of Sydney
2006 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Team of the Year:
Athletics team – The University of Sydney
Coach of the Year:
Iain Scott (football) – The University of Melbourne
Service to Sport Award:
Dean Gleeson – The University of Sydney
2012 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance:
Matthew Cowdrey (Paralympic swimming) – The University of Adelaide
Male Athlete of the Year:
Sam Gilmour (sailing) – The University of Western Australia
Female Athlete of the Year:
Grace Loh (swimming) – The University of Melbourne
2006 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Team of the Year:
Sailing team – The University of Western Australia
Coach of the Year:
Dean Gleeson (athletics) – The University of Sydney
Service to Sport Awards:
Joshua Van Kampen – The University of Western Australia
2011 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance:
Blake Cochrane (swimming) – University of the Sunshine Coast
Male Athlete of the Year:
Lachlan Renshaw (athletics) – The University of Sydney
Female Athlete of the Year:
Marieke Guehrer (swimming) – The University of Melbourne
2006 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Team of the Year:
Women’s Swim Team – The University of Melbourne
Coach of the Year:
Alex Henshilwood (rowing) – The University of Melbourne
Service to Sport Award:
Jean Ryan – Charles Sturt University
2010 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance:
Lauren Mitchell (gymnastics) – The University of Notre Dame Australia
Male Athlete of the Year:
Liam Adams (cross country) – Victoria University
Female Athlete of the Year:
Katya Crema (snow sports) – The University of Melbourne
Sarah Kent (cycling) – The University of Western Australia
2006 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Team of the Year:
The University of Sydney Athletics Club
Coach of the Year:
Grant Landers (triathlon) – The University of Western Australia
Service to Sport Awards:
David Price
2009 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance:
Dani Samuels (athletics) – The University of Western Sydney
Male Athlete of the Year:
Tristan Thomas (athletics) – The University of Canberra
Female Athlete of the Year:
Madeline Pape (athletics) – RMIT University
2006 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Team of the Year:
Snows Sports Team – Macquarie University
Coach of the Year:
Paul Oberman (water polo)
Service to Sport Award:
Warren Rosser – The University of New South Wales
John Kanis – The University of Melbourne
2008 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance:
Susan Pratley (netball) – The University of Sydney
Male Athlete of the Year:
Liam Adams (cross country) – Victoria University
Female Athlete of the Year:
Taniele Gofers (water polo) – The University of Sydney
2006 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Team of the Year:
Women’s Rowing Team – The University of Melbourne
Coach of the Year:
Ian Wright (rowing) – The University of Melbourne
Service to Sport Awards:
Deidre Anderson – Macquarie University
Jeannette Meakins – The University of Western Australia
2007 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance:
Alice McNamara (rowing) – The University of Melbourne
Male Athlete of the Year:
Sean Wroe (athletics) – Swinburne University of Technology
Female Athlete of the Year:
Jess Foley (basketball) – Flinders University
Georgia Woodyard (basketball) – University of Technology Sydney
2006 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Team of the Year:
Men’s Volleyball Team – Queensland University of Technology
Coach of the Year:
Carrie Graf (basketball)
Service to Sport Award:
Chris Noel – The University of Sydney
2006 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance:
Lisbeth Lenton (swimming) – Griffith University
Male Athlete of the Year:
Hugh Tait (sailing) – University of Technology Sydney
Female Athlete of the Year:
Elsa O’Hanlon (rowing) – The University of Sydney
2006 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Team of the Year:
Snow Sports – The University of Melbourne
Coach of the Year:
Phil Bourguignon (rowing) – The University of Sydney
Service to Sport Awards:
Rene Leveaux – University of Technology Sydney
2005 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance:
Alexandra Blackwell (cricket) – University of New South Wales
Male Athlete of the Year:
Trent Franklin (water polo) – The University of Sydney
Female Athlete of the Year:
Jacqueline Bonnitcha (sailing) – The University of Sydney
Team of the Year:
Men’s Water Polo – The University of Sydney
Taekwondo – Monash University
2004 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Most Outstanding Sporting Performance:
Grant Hackett (swimming) – Bond University
Male Athlete of the Year:
Fergus Pragnell (rowing) – The University of Sydney
Female Athlete of the Year:
Sally Kehoe (rowing) – The University of Queensland
Team of the Year:
Athletics – The University of Queensland
2003 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Male Athlete of the Year:
Brenton Rickard (swimming) – Monash University
Female Athlete of the Year:
Loudy Tourky (diving) – The University of Sydney
Team of the Year:
Women’s Hockey – The University of Sydney
2002 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Male Athlete of the Year:
Joel Wing (waterski) – The University of New South Wales
Female Athlete of the Year:
Kirsten Thomson (swimming) – The University of Sydney
Team of the Year:
Athletics – The University of Queensland
Men’s Soccer – The University of Newcastle
2001 UniSport Australia Award Winners
Male Athlete of the Year:
Thomas Whalan (water polo) – The University of Sydney
Female Athlete of the Year:
Rebecca Gilmore – The University of Sydney
Team of the Year:
Women’s Touch – James Cook University
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