Lily Martin and Charles Alcock were two of the 47 Illawarra Academy of Sport scholarship recipients for 2024. Photo: Zoe Cartrwright.
Almost 50 talented young athletes were celebrated with a special civic reception at Shellharbour Civic Centre on Wednesday (24 July).
Shellharbour City Council honoured the 47 teenagers who were awarded scholarships at the Illawarra Academy of Sport for 2024, representing sports from cycling to netball and surfing.
Warilla High School student Lily Martin received a scholarship to pursue her passion as a netball umpire.
A keen player, she began umpiring after consecutive injuries left her wheelchair-bound for six months, and found it gave her a deeper appreciation for the sport.
“I still play, I just can’t play at a rep level anymore, and umpiring helps my play as well as getting to teach little kids,” she said.
“Having a scholarship means everything to me. After my injuries it made me feel like I could do anything, even after multiple setbacks.
“One day I want to umpire at Suncorp Super Netball, or even the Olympics – that’s a dream.
“But as long as I get to keep helping people learn how to play and better their knowledge as well, I’m happy.”
Charles Alcock is homeschooled, and is on his third year with the IAS.
The keen road and track cyclist said the support of the academy helped him achieve goals he hadn’t imagined when he first picked up the sport four years ago.
“The IAS has provided me with weekly training sessions, strength and conditioning each week, as well as education sessions on a range of topics and training camps with other academies from around the state,” he said.
“It’s been a wonderful experience. I’ve seen big improvements in my results over the past three years, and been selected for state teams which is something I never thought was possible before the IAS.
“Ideally I’d like to go professional and compete overseas. I like the idea that whoever crosses the line first wins; it really motivates me to work harder and harder.”
The Illawarra Academy of Sport is renowned for its comprehensive approach to athlete development. Beyond honing their athletic abilities, the academy prepares young people for the demands and opportunities of a professional sporting career.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said he was proud of the council’s commitment to developing and maintaining sports facilities across the city and the results of this investment could be seen in the ongoing success of local sportspeople.
“We are immensely proud of our local athletes and their dedication to their chosen sports,” he said.
“Earning a place at the academy is no small feat, and it’s a testament to not only the athletes’ incredible talents but their dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”
The 2024 IAS scholarship recipients are:
- Basketball: Thomas Hofman, Maya Hopkins, Zara Suka, Chayce Te Nana
- Cycling: Charles Alcock, Hugo Alcock, Ethan Aleckson, Isaac Baez, Linkin Davis, Blake Mete, Byron Tynan
- Future Stars: Mackenzie Best, Tyler Byrne, Chase Corbeski, Logan Corbeski, Montana Doubell, Niamh Hicks, Jared Wood
- Golf: Jaidon Kyriacou
- Hockey: Breanna Cresswell, Gemma Cresswell, Sienna Mason
- Hockey Futures: Maya Huetter, Zane Kast, Eli Mayo, Dylan Simmons
- Indigenous Talent Program: Jyson Booth, Archie Cocksedge, Marley Giles, Emily Hollingsworth, Mackay Jones, Jaidon Kyriacou, Chayce Te Nana, Thomas Hofman
- Netball: Aleena Carrion, Marley Giles, Danielle Mullard, Kiara Shelton, Eva Vidal
- Netball Umpires: Lily Martin, Ebony McCloy
- Para Sports: Jack Gibson
- Surf Sports: Kobe Sims
- Triathlon: Montana Doubell, Harry Fraser, Jack Gibson, William Mason
- Volleyball (beach and indoor): Lucia Ding, Lily Ison, Liam Jenkins, Ava McGregor, Cooper Midgley, Lachlan Peacock
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