Student Intranet - News

Monday, 19 October 2026

Edith Cowan University's sporting community came together at Hillarys Yacht Club on Friday evening to celebrate a year of exceptional achievement, leadership and community impact at the 2026 ECU Sport Awards.

The annual awards recognised the students, clubs, teams and volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to ECU Sport throughout 2026, while also celebrating one of the University's most successful representative sport campaigns.

The evening brought together student athletes, club leaders, coaches, staff, alumni and supporters to reflect on a year that saw ECU students excel locally, nationally and internationally.

The event commenced with opening remarks from Professor Sophia Nimphius, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sport), before attendees heard highlights from the 2026 Western Invitationals, 2026 Indigenous Nationals and a recap of ECU's outstanding performance at the 2026 UniSport Nationals.

Adding to the occasion, respected broadcaster and MC Sue Gaudion brought her trademark energy and professionalism to the event, leading proceedings and helping celebrate the stories behind some of ECU Sport's most outstanding achievements of 2026.

“The evening was a beautiful display of the impact of connection. I was truly moved by the students, staff and wider ECU Sport community, and I offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has helped build such a strong and supportive environment. It was a night to remember and, as the students expressed so well, one filled with friendship and memories that will last a lifetime,” said Professor Sophia Nimphius.

Celebrating community, leadership and belonging

The first half of the evening focused on the people and clubs who help create a welcoming and thriving sporting community at ECU.

The ECU Spirit Award was presented to Royan Norman, recognising her exceptional commitment to developing and supporting ECU's futsal community. Royan has played a pivotal role in coaching, mentoring and creating pathways for student participation, while helping shape the culture and long-term success of the ECU futsal program.

The Outstanding Contribution Award was awarded to Amber Lawson, whose leadership and service have had a lasting impact on the ECU Mixed & Women's Netball Club. As club secretary and team captain, Amber's contributions in administration, communications, social media and student engagement have helped strengthen club culture and enhance the experience of fellow students.

The newly established ECU Run Club was recognised with the Best New Club Award, celebrating its rapid growth and success in creating opportunities for students to connect through running, health and wellbeing. Since its launch in 2026, the club has established a vibrant and inclusive community, attracting strong participation at weekly runs and major events including the City to Surf and Perth Running Festival.

The evening's Club of the Year Award was presented to the ECU Mixed & Women's Netball Club, recognising exceptional achievement across participation growth, governance, leadership and student engagement. The Club has welcomed more than 100 participants throughout the year while expanding competition opportunities and creating strong pathways into representative sport.

Recognising sporting excellence

The final awards of the evening celebrated the athletes and teams whose performances elevated ECU's reputation on the national stage.

The Student Athlete of the Year Award was awarded to Will Linter, recognising both his elite sporting achievements and outstanding contribution to the ECU sporting community.

A member of ECU's gold medal-winning Mixed Netball team at UniSport Nationals, Will was named Goal Defence of the Tournament and selected in the All-Star 7. Beyond competition, he is heavily involved in coaching and mentoring through the Removing Barriers Program, supporting young adults living with disability to engage in sport and recreation.

The Representative Team of the Year Award was presented to the Men's Futsal First Team following an exceptional 2026 campaign. The team went undefeated on their way to claiming the UniSport Nationals Division 1 Championship, securing one of ECU's most significant sporting achievements of the year and helping enhance the University's national sporting reputation.

A year to remember

The evening also recognised the captains of ECU's UniSport Nationals and Indigenous Nationals teams, acknowledging the leadership and commitment they demonstrated while representing the University throughout 2026.

The awards concluded with a celebration of the achievements, relationships and sense of belonging that continue to define ECU Sport.

As ECU looks ahead to 2027, the achievements recognised at the ECU Sport Awards demonstrate the powerful role sport plays in creating opportunities for students to lead, connect, achieve and thrive.

Award Winners & Nominees

ECU Spirit Award 🏆 Royan Norman

Nominees:

· Mary Hepworth

· Dellabett Towaipi

· Kasey Nicholas

· Royan Norman

Best New Club Award 🏆 ECU Run Club

Outstanding Contribution Award 🏆 Amber Lawson

Nominees:

· Amber Lawson

· Tayla Kedgley

· Louise Miller

· Negin Nowabi

Club of the Year Award🏆 ECU Mixed & Women's Netball Club

Nominees:

· ECU Volleyball Club

· ECU Mixed & Women’s Netball Club

· ECU Run Club

Student Athlete of the Year Award 🏆 Will Linter

Nominees:

· Will Linter - Mixed Netball

· Luke Ross - Futsal

· Olivia Knight – Judo

· Kasey Nicholas - Touch Football

Representative Team of the Year Award 🏆 Men's Futsal First Team

Nominees:

· Women’s Basketball

· Men’s Futsal First Team

· Mixed Netball First Team

UniSport Nationals Captains Recognition

· Noah Egan & Dellabett Towaipi

· Tilly Sherlock & Kalani Buckle