Karen Pon

Karen Pon, Table Tennis ACT Coaching Co-ordinator, established the highly successful and popular Junior High Performance squad in 2018. Through her encouragement, drive and enthusiasm, this group of Juniors have all risen quickly through the local and National rankings, surpassing all expectations.

Tom Green

At just 18 years of age, Tom Green has already fashioned himself an impressive footballing resume. A Marist Football Club alumni, the sharp-skilled midfielder has represented the GIANTS Academy, GIANTS NEAFL, the Allies Squad and Australia. In 2019 he has been named NEAFL Rising Star, was recently named MVP for the Allies and in the Under-18’s NAB All Australian team for 2019. Showcasing maturity beyond his years, Tom Green is a young man destined for greatness and we look forward to following his pursuit to the AFL.

SIA SOLIOLA

An outstanding NRL footballer and spiritual leader for the Canberra Raiders, Sia Soliola commits himself entirely to the Canberra community. Sia has raised $50,000 for Kulture Break when cutting his hair; $11,000 participating in the CEO Sleepout; serves breakfast weekly to the homeless; is an ambassador for Cure Angelman Syndrome and Menslink and helps families in need.

Melissa Mongan

President of Archery ACT, two time Olympian and former National Champion in multiple disciplines, Melissa has had great impact of development in ACT, training and mentoring coaches and building the National Coaching Framework for Archery Australia. She`s represented Australia as head coach for youth teams at international events.

MICHAELA LEONARD

Lock Leonard was an integral part of the Brumbies Super W program in 2019, playing every minute of all five matches as the team reached the semi-finals for the first time. Leonard was subsequently selected for the Wallaroos training camp ahead of their series with Japan.

Amber Brophy

A talented young netballer from the Tuggeranong Netball Association, Brophy was selected in the 19s ACT National Team and the NSW Premier League Manly Sapphires (23s), proving to be a dominant force in the elite pathway. Brophy also coaches the TSP Program at Lyneham High School, developing talented school programs.

Lauren Wells

Lauren Wells competing at the 2019 Australian Athletics Championships in Sydney where she won her 12th national 400m hurdles title and secured her first ever sub 55 second performance with a time of 54.87s. Lauren, a full time primary school teacher has found the perfect work, life, and training balance.

REGAN HART

A proud Kalkadoon woman, Regan Hart has become a pioneer in excellence in Women’s Rugby League. Regan represented the Indigenous All Stars against the Maori All Stars and was selected in the NSWRL Women’s State of Origin squad and Monaro representative team. Regan plays for Raiders feeder club Mounties in the NSWRL Premiership and mentors players with the Queanbeyan Blues.

KYLE PERKINS

One of the hardest workers in the baseball community, Kyle Perkins goes above and beyond for the growth of baseball in Canberra. Not only a key Cavalry player, Kyle puts in the extra time developing Canberra’s next generation and ensuring they have a pathway to progress to the next level.

Gudren (Goody) Porreca

Goody has been a Lecturer and Sports Trainer for over 30 years for SMA. She has worked as a volunteer first aid officer for the Sudanese basketball championships and for some football clubs. Goody teaches first aid and has recently done so for the Indigenous Marathon Project and through this project has had the pleasure of teaching on Elcho island with the Galiwinku people. Goody teaches to many schools and sporting clubs throughout the ACT.

Stuart Atkins

2017 and 2019 Crossbow World Champion. Stuart has volunteered his time over the past 20+ years as a Coach and National Judge for archery in the ACT. He’s been Treasurer for Canberra Archery Club and the Archery ACT Committee and has represented Australia as team manager for international events.

Kalindi Commerford

Kalindi is a member of the Hockeyroos. At age 24, Kalindi has 36 caps for Australia and has recently won a silver medal with the Hockeyroos at Pro League. Kalindi also juggles study with elite sport, studying law at the University of Canberra. Whenever she is in the ACT Kalindi is coaching at junior clinics and assisting Hockey ACT with the promotion of the sport.

Travis Passier

Travis moved to the ACT as a 15yr old player to attend the Australian Institute of Sport. Since then he has played over 250 matches for the ‘Volleyroos’; Australia’s national senior men’s team. He represented Australia at the 2012 Olympics and at World Championships in 2010, 2014 and 2018. Travis has returned to Canberra Heat in 2014 to play in the Australian Volleyball League (AVL). He has been a dominant player and a great leader and mentor to the developing players in the team. He has led the team to medal performances every year, including taking the Gold medal in 2015 and a Silver Medal in 2018. Travis is bringing the Heat in 2019.

Jenny Lonergan

After moving to Canberra in January 2018, Jenny Lonergan has become an important figure in the Canberra basketball community. Jenny coached the Under 18 ACT representative team in 2018 and 2019 and was named Head Coach of the Canberra Nationals this season where she has enjoyed significant success.

Eliza Burton

Gaining selection to the Australian Netball Leagues Canberra GIANTS in 2019, Eliza made an impressive impact on the season playing 31 quarters for the season and was an integral part of the teams Finals appearance for the season. Currently a member of the Australian 19 and Under squad, Eliza gives back to her community as a team coach.

Michael Delaney

Michael was Head Coach of Ginninderra Cricket Club and achieved great success on and off field from 2015/16 - 2018/19. His leadership and coaching was fundamental in inspiring Ginninderra winning their first Premier Cricket title 26 in years and being named the Australian Premier Cricket club of the year. The Tiger academy and ‘Belconnen Bash’ have united and inspired the local community through cricket.

Keely Froling

Keely Froling is one of Australia’s most promising upcoming basketballers. In the first half of 2019 alone, Froling won a WNBL championship with the UC Capitals, represented Australia in the Women’s 3x3 World Cup and won Gold with the Emerging Opals at the World University Games all while undertaking her third year of a physiotherapy degree and remaining engaged with the Canberra community.

Tara Melhuish

Tara Melhuish is the leader/role model of a group of young female ACT orienteers who are enjoying a high level of success nationally (including a first ever National League junior team title in 2018) and internationally. Tara has won numerous national titles and represented Australia at four World Junior Championships.

Tate Needham

Tate Needham has used his enthusiasm and IT skills to develop an elegant website for Orienteering ACT. He has also found and arranged the mapping of new venues for orienteering, created a new program to promote Sprint Distance events and advocated changes to improve presentation of the sport.

Edwina Bone

Edwina is a member of the Hockeyroos. The 31 year old is one of the most experienced players in the national side with 188 caps for Australia. In the last 18 months Edwina has won a silver medal with the Hockeyroos at Pro League, a silver at the Commonwealth Games and captained the Canberra Strikers to a bronze medal in the final year of the AHL. Whenever she is in the ACT Edwina gives up her time to assist Hockey ACT with the promotion of the sport.

Rebecca Wiasak

An inspirational cyclist, Bec Wiasak is the current Australian Criterium champion. She has been a Track World Champion in the Individual Pursuit in 2015 and 2016 and won a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. A world-class athlete, Bec still attends local races, supporting her fellow female cyclists.

Lauren McGann

As Vice President of West U/C, Lauren works tirelessly with administration, and to attract/retain sponsorship. Lauren organised a 50th anniversary celebration in February which was attended by 180 past and present players. Lauren is a devoted person who is committed to developing female, male and junior cricket in the ACT.

Christine Nunn

Christine Nunn is a product of ACT Junior Squash and current member of Squash Australia’s Winning Edge team. In an outstanding 12 months, Christine, a much-loved primary school teacher, represented Australia in the Commonwealth Games, won the 2018 Women’s Australian National Championship and was recently crowned 2019 World Doubles Champion.

Hannah Dunn

Hannah Dunn is a foundation player of the Queanbeyan Tigers and a four time premiership captain. She has consistently represented the ACT and was part of the GIANTS inaugural squad in 2017. That same year, Queanbeyan launched the Hannah Dunn Academy – a free program designed to develop the skills and game sense for females 15 years and above. In 2019 she was signed to Norwood for the SANFL State-wide Super Women’s League and was named in their team of the year. Following this she has returned to lead Queanbeyan in AFL CBR’s First Grade Women’s competition. Hannah epitomises what female football is all about and is an incredible role model to all.

Nick Delatovic

A mild mannered musican by night, but by day a fierce Freestyle wrestling competitor, Nick has been wrestling for over a decade, and recently represented Australia in Guam, achieving silver. A man of many talents he also recently medalled in the Canberra Eurovision Contest, and fronts local pop band Babyfreeze.

CHRISTIAN LEALIIFANO

One of the Brumbies greatest, Lealiifano called time on his career in Canberra after 12-years with the club with 150 matches and 958 points to his name. Christian made a much-publicised return from a battle with leukemia in 2018 and captained the team in 17 matches, scoring 113 points and helping the Brumbies to the semi-finals.

Marlene Leonard

A former Canberra Capitals player and member of the Basketball ACT community for over 30 years, Marlene Leanord is a central figure of basketball in Canberra. Following her retirement, Marlene became a referee and is still involved in the program today. In 2017 she was named a Basketball ACT Life Member.

Erin Osborne

Erin Osborne, Captain of the Abode Hotels Meteors, is passionate about uniting and inspiring the next generation. She is an outstanding role model within the community and is genuinely willing to give back through involvement on the Committee, as Director of Coaching and as a Mentor at her local club.

Karly Roestbakken

A Monaro Panthers Junior who has come through the Canberra United Academy ranks, Karly was called up to the Matildas squad on the eve of the 2019 Women`s World Cup. She came on late against Brazil for her debut, before playing a full 90 minutes in a clash with Jamaica.

STEVE KENT

Steve Kent is one of the most familiar faces at the Cavalry, and a fan favourite. In addition to his record-breaking career (>300 strikeouts), his interactions with the crowd and work within the community are commendable. Steve represents Team Australia and continues to be a leader for baseball in Canberra.