2024 EOY Community Club Awards

How awesome was the 2024 End-of-Year Celebration Week?! This year, we continued with out onsite celebrations during competition days so nobody missed out. It was a scorcher of a week, but our legendary BBQ volunteers kept the snags coming.

2024 Community Club Awards

At the end of each year, we take the opportunity to reflect on all the people who volunteer their time to make SBA a great community. Their positivity and passion for basketball is the heart of the Tigers. The winners of the 2024 Community Awards were announced on during the EOY Celebration Week. It was a tough job for the independent panel with so many worthy nominees backed up by detailed nominations. Congratulations to the winners and all of the nominees!

SENIOR TIGER | JACINTA DONALDSON

Nominees: Tony Armstrong, Simone Hackett, Brayden Morris, Amanda Volpatti

This award recognises an adult member of the Tigers community who demonstrates exceptional commitment to SBA. This person goes above and beyond without the expectation of recognition and genuinely impacts the association’s success.

“Jacinta is just a great tiger. She is always around the stadium offering help to those who need it, and she is always encouraging people to have a go at new things. She models the tigers values all of the time, and we are proud to have her as a tigers member.”

JUNIOR TIGER | CAMERON DONALDSON

Nominees: Mitchell Parrott, Layla Volpatti, Lyall Swindlehurst, Maddison McGee, Nikodem Ociepa, Grace Armstrong, Cameron Donaldson

This award recognises a member of the Tigers community under the age of 18 who demonstrates exceptional commitment to SBA. This person goes above and beyond without the expectation of recognition and genuinely impacts the association’s success. 

“Cameron is a dedicated Tiger. He plays in both the U16s and U19s competitions, referees up to 8 games per week and is always seen on court genuinely enjoying the game. Cam is regularly at The Jungle early, helping the court controller to set up the courts. He helps new parents with the score bench and has had several cameos as Duncan the Tiger… Cam is a referee supervisor, offering our newest referees clear guidance and encouragement. Cam has a positive impact around SBA on a regular basis.“

MOST IMPROVED REFEREE | TESSA VOLPATTI & LYALL SWINDLEHURST

Nominees: Lyall Swindlehurst, Tessa Volpatti, Ryan Donaldson

This award recognises the development of a referee who regularly officiates in our domestic junior or senior competitions. This referee displays the attitude and aptitude to become a confident referee.

“ I chose to nominate Lyall because he has overcome challenges and sought opportunities to develop as a referee….Lyall seeks feedback to improve and is always willing to reflect on his performance constructively…. Lyall’s willingness to embrace new opportunities… highlights his desire to grow as a referee. “

“Tessa is the silent achiever. She continuously works hard to improve her skills and knowledge of the game by listening to feedback and actively working to improve. Tessa has a positive and professional manner regardless of who she is refereeing and seeks opportunities to referee both within and outside of SBA.”

DOMESTIC COACH OF THE YEAR | STEVEN CRUMPTON

Nominees: Adrian Volpatti, Cameron Lucke, Steve Crumpton

This award recognises a coach in the weekly domestic competition who creates an enjoyable team environment where everyone feels welcome.

“Steve coaches my under 19s team and is an awesome coach. He gives everyone fair court time and makes sure everyone is happy. He never shouts, gets angry, or talks negatively about anyone or any play the team made. He helps us develop our skills and suggests ideas for good motion that he sees on the sideline. He is respectful to all officials, players from any team and parents alike.“

KANE GATTRINGER TIGERS SPIRIT AWARD | LYALL SWINDLEHURST

Nominees: Lyall Swindlehurst, Maddison McGee, Nikodem Ociepa, Liam Goldspring

This award recognises a junior domestic player who brings tenacious, passionate, and competitive energy to the game. They lift their teammates by encouraging them and sharing a good sense of humour. This player is not necessarily the most skilful player on the court; they are the player who displays true team spirit to make the SBA domestic competition a positive space.

“He brings the team together , a silent achiever who brings everyone to support each other and brings friendship to everyone. He gives his best to support the team and shows fairness to everyone”