Sports West Awards: 12 Finalists Vie for Sports Star of the Year
The Sports West Sports Star of the Year award has unveiled its 12 finalists, featuring a dynamic mix of established athletes and emerging talents from various sports disciplines. The winner will be announced at a prestigious ceremony on Thursday night at the Crown Ballroom, celebrating excellence across golf, netball, sailing, racing, swimming, pole vault, and rugby union.
Notable Contenders and Achievements
Among the standout finalists is Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, the West Coast Fever goal shooter, whose dominant performance in the Super Netball season propelled the team to a 13-match winning streak and a grand final appearance. Her leadership has solidified her reputation as one of netball's all-time greats.
In golf, Minjee Lee is a strong contender after securing her third major championship at the Women's PGA Championships in Frisco, Texas. This victory adds to her previous wins at the 2021 Evian Championship and 2022 US Open. Overcoming putting challenges with coach Ritchie Smith, Lee finished 2025 ranked world No. 3 and earned the Greg Norman Medal and Herb Elliott Medal for her outstanding contributions to Australian golf.
Pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall recently made history by becoming the fourth Australian to clear six meters at an indoor meet in France, showcasing his elite athletic prowess. Sailor Zac Littlewood, a former Junior Sports Star winner in 2018, makes his debut on the senior finalist list, highlighting his continued success in the sport.
Diverse Representation Across Sports
The finalists list reflects a broad spectrum of athletic talent, including:
- Tash Faithfull (thoroughbred racing)
- Kyle Lee (open water swimming)
- Trilleen Pomare and Carlo Tizzano (rugby union)
- Lekeisha Pergoliti (boxing)
- Alana King (cricket)
- Katelyn Smith (football)
- Tristan Schoolkate (tennis)
This diversity underscores the vibrant sports culture in Western Australia, with athletes excelling in both individual and team events.
Celebrating Community Contributions
Beyond elite achievements, the Sports West awards also honor the vital role of services and volunteers in shaping community sport across metropolitan, regional, and remote areas of Western Australia. SportWest CEO Troy Kirkham emphasized the inspirational impact of these contributions, stating, "The diversity represented within the nominees and finalists is truly inspirational and speaks to the importance of sport in communities throughout the state."
Community finalists include the Karratha Kangaroos Junior Rugby League Club and the Kimberley 9s delivered by the Purple Hands Foundation, while event finalists feature the Mid West Backroads Gravel cycling and running event and Netball WA's Association Championships. These recognitions highlight how sport fosters connection and development at all levels, from grassroots to professional arenas.
The awards ceremony promises to be a glittering night, not only crowning the Sports Star of the Year but also acknowledging the unsung heroes who drive sporting excellence across Western Australia. With such a talented and diverse group of finalists, the event is set to inspire and celebrate the transformative power of sport in the community.
