UniSA Sport Awards Night was held on November 30th at The Sanctuary in the Adelaide Zoo. 136 guests attended the 11th annual cocktail event to celebrate Team UniSA's outstanding sportspeople, volunteers, clubs, and team.
Matthew Glaetzer, Australian Olympic Track Cyclist and UniSA student, marked the occasion as guest speaker of the night. Matthew's inspiring presentation took the audience on a captivating journey through his life as an esteemed professional athlete while concurrently pursuing a Bachelor of Health Science at the University. His words of encouragement and determination resonated deeply with everyone, igniting sparks of motivation and ambition.
The UniSA Sport Awards featured an impressive lineup of nominees and finalists across all categories, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication within our sporting community. A new perpetual award was introduced this year: Wirringka Outstanding Achievement in Sport; and was made by Kristian Coulthard at Wadna, Blinman. This contributed to a total of twelve award categories.
We extend our sincere congratulations to all the nominees, finalists, and winners of the 2023 UniSA Sport Awards.
List of winners in their respective categories:
Female Athlete of the Year
Tinka Easton - Judo
Male Athlete of the Year
Matthew Glaetzer - Cycling
Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability
Lillee Wakefield - Athletics & Judo
Club Administrator of the Year
Jessica Musson - UniSA Netball Club and UniSA Pedal Prix Club
Volunteer of the Year
Danielle Munn - UniSA Volleyball Club
Team of the Year
UniSA Men's Soccer Collegiate A Team
Club of the Year
UniSA Swimming Club
Georgie Rowe Outstanding Achievement Award
Hannah Petty - Netball
Wirringka Outstanding Achievement in Sport
Jasmin Guthrie - Athletics
In addition, the following individuals were each presented a Club Colours Award for their contributions to the development and growth of their respective UniSA Sport clubs:
- Alicia Le Cong - UniSA Kendo Club
- Amadeus Bagnara - UniSA Women's Soccer Club
- Alexander Hick - UniSA Motorsport Club
- Angus Randell - UniSA Motorsport Club
- Courtney Brown - UniSA Squash Club
- Chantelle Badenhop - UniSA Motorsport Club
- Daniel Boyd - UniSA Motorsport Club
- Difei Lin - UniSA Kendo Club
- Jacky Le - UniSA Wing Chun Kung Fu Club
- Jessica Musson - UniSA Netball Club
- Kendall McInnis - UniSA Netball Club
- Mehdi Alizadeh - UniSA Volleyball Club
- Riley Hart - UniSA Hockey Club
- Tristan Roberts - UniSA Hockey Club
- William Hegarty - UniSA Motorsport Club
- William Smith - UniSA Motorsport Club
- Yi Jin Aw - UniSA Volleyball Club
The Half Blues Awards were presented to exceptional students who achieved sporting success at the state or national representative level, all while actively participating in university sports:
- Alfie Wenk - Ski Cross
- Chantelle Badenhop - Ultimate
- Jasmin Guthrie - Athletics
- Joe Cross - Athletics
- Sean Feleppa - Lacrosse
- Tayla Mangan - Lacrosse
Ibad Ayaz receiving a Blues Award.
Blues Awards were presented to students who not only achieved outstanding sporting success, but also represented Australia on the international stage or competed as a professional athlete in a national competition, all while making significant contributions to university sports as participants and/or volunteers:
- Finn Bowes - Ski Cross
- Hannah Petty - Netball
UniSA ALH, 2023 VC Cup winners.
The 2023 VC Cup was presented to the overall winning unit, UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance (ALH).
Andrew Truong, UniSport Australia 2022 Official of the Year.
Lastly, Andrew Truong, UniSA Alumni and current president of the UniSA Swimming Club was presented the UniSport Australia 2022 Official of the Year Award.
A special acknowledgement to senior Kaurna man, Cliffy Wilson for delivering the Welcome to Country; and Nathan May Music for the music entertainment.
We would like to express our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of UniSA Sport throughout the year. Your passion, dedication, and hard work have truly made a difference. As we bid farewell to 2023, we eagerly look forward to another year of celebrating achievements and creating lasting memories in 2024.
See the full list of 2023 nominees, finalists and winners.