Image: 2026 Hunter Academy of Sport Athlete of the Year Isla Bower.
The Hunter Academy of Sport (HAS) has celebrated the achievements, dedication and growth of its athletes, coaches, managers and volunteers at its 2026 Awards night, held at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday 17 September.
More than 140 athletes, families, coaches, managers and supporters came together for the annual celebration, recognising the outstanding achievements of athletes across the Academy’s sporting programs.
Skateboarder Isla Bower was named the Hunter Academy of Sport’s Athlete of the Year, following an outstanding year that has seen her compete at the highest levels of her sport both nationally and internationally.
Bower finished second in the Women’s division at the 2025 Jackalope Newcastle before taking another significant step in her sporting journey in 2026, representing Australia at the Asian Skateboarding Championships in China.
Her selection to represent Australia marked a major milestone for the young athlete, who proudly carried the Australian flag on the international stage.
HAS was also proud to share a special video message from Chris Minns, Premier of NSW, congratulating all athletes, coaches and volunteers recognised on the night.
Hunter Academy of Sport Regional Manager Roxanne Wain said the Awards Night was an opportunity to recognise not only sporting success, but the dedication and commitment that sits behind every athlete’s journey.
“Our Awards Night is a great opportunity to celebrate the athletes who have represented the Hunter with pride throughout the year, but also to recognise the coaches, managers, families and supporters who play such an important role in their development,” Wain said.
The Para Athlete of the Year was awarded to Emilee Pratt, while Jada Capriotti was recognised as the UAA Indigenous Athlete of the Year. Isla Walsh received the Leadership Award, recognising her contribution and leadership both within and beyond her sporting environment.
The Academy’s coaching, management and administration contributions were also recognised, with Peter Harvey named Greater Bank Coach of the Year, Alissa McLeod named Greater Bank Manager of the Year, and Sander Ganzevles receiving the Paul Trisley Administrator of the Year award.
L-R: Sander Ganzevles, Emilee Pratt, Isla Walsh, Jada Capriotti, Alissa McLeod, Peter Harvey.
Athletes across the Academy’s programs were also recognised with individual Athlete of the Year and Rising Star awards.
Award recipients included:
- Athletics: Zac West
- Aussie Rules: Oscar Schneeweiss; Rising Star – Angus Wood
- Baseball: Austin Turner; Rising Star – Kirk Gilbert
- Baseball Development: Rising Star – Ethan Smith
- Basketball: Sienna Cooper and Tyler Donnelly; Rising Stars – Lexani Blain and Austin Lewandowski
- Future Stars: Rising Star – Hayden Mee
- Golf: Harry Leggatt; Rising Star – Cooper Ridgeway
- High Performance: Rising Star – Toby Collins
- Hockey: Finlay Quince and Ella Craven-Sands; Rising Stars – Lachlan Grady and Willow Barry
- Indigenous Program: Rising Star – Jada Capriotti
- Mountain Bike GE: Jonah Gregory; Rising Star – Jacob Gossage
- Mountain Bike XCO: Jordan Trevor
- Netball: Bowey Manning; Rising Star – Isla Walsh
- Netball Umpires: Emilie Summers
- Para Sports: Rising Star – Emilee Pratt
- Sailing: Harry Yager; Rising Star – Emmeline Conden
- Swimming: Frederick Richardson
- Triathlon: Caine Platt; Rising Star – Samuel Grebert
- Volleyball: Tyler Simpson and Sophie McCormack; Rising Stars – Ben Gordon and Sondor Gankhuyag
- Skateboarding: Isla Bower
The evening also marked a special moment for the Hunter Academy of Sport, with Christine Halpin and Karen Turner inducted as Life Members in recognition of their longstanding contribution to the Academy and the wider sporting community.
Christine was recognised for almost 30 years of volunteer service, including 18 years managing the Hunter Academy Softball Program. She played a key role in rebuilding and growing softball within the Academy pathway, while also making a significant contribution to softball across the Hunter community. Her service has been recognised through several honours, including the Softball NSW Distinguished Service Award.
Karen was recognised for her contribution across volunteer, staff and Board roles, providing valuable leadership in finance, governance and organisational development. She played an important role in the transition to RAS Ltd and has continued to support athletes, families and the regional academy network through events, mentoring and volunteering. Her contribution also spans more than 20 years across swimming, water polo and netball.
The Awards Night provided an opportunity for the Hunter Academy of Sport community to reflect on another year of achievement and acknowledge the athletes continuing to pursue their sporting ambitions across the Hunter region and beyond.
The Hunter Academy of Sport would like to thank our major partners, NSW Office of Sport, Santos Hunter Gas Pipeline, Greater Bank, The University of Newcastle, Underwriting Agencies Australia (UAA), Your local club, Maitland City Council, NBN, Southern Cross Austereo and 2NURFM alongside the many state sporting organisations and program supporters who continue to support the Academy and its athletes.
