The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) has celebrated another remarkable year of achievement, announcing the winners of the 2025 WAIS Awards of Excellence at a glittering event held at Optus Stadium last night.
Bringing together athletes, coaches, staff and partners from across the nation, the Awards recognised the people and programs that exemplify the WAIS mission to Win Well, achieving excellence in performance, character, and community impact.
Perris claims new Para Athlete of the Year Award
Paralympic medallist Chad Perris was named the WAIS Para Athlete of the Year, recognising his world-class performances and enduring influence on and off the track.
A proud WAIS graduate, Perris captured silver in the Men’s 100m T13 at the 2025 World Championships, adding to a decorated career that already includes Paralympic and multiple World Championship medals. Off the track, the “White Tiger” continues to inspire through mentorship and advocacy for athletes with vision impairment, embodying courage, integrity, and ambition in equal measure.
Keeney crowned Able-Bodied Athlete of the Year
Diving star Maddison Keeney took out the Able-Bodied Athlete of the Year Award, capping off a season that reaffirmed her place among the world’s elite.
Keeney struck gold at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore, claiming the women’s 1m springboard title and finishing inside the top six across three additional events. A respected leader within the Diving Australia team, Keeney is admired for her humility and commitment to excellence, both in performance and in her mentorship of younger teammates.
Stevenson shines as Young Athlete of the Year
Fifteen-year-old wheelchair basketballer Ebony Stevenson claimed the Young Athlete of the Year Award after a breakout season on the international stage.
A member of the Australian Gliders senior national team, Stevenson helped secure a bronze medal at the 2025 3×3 Senior World Cup and continues to establish herself as one of the brightest prospects in Australian Para sport. Her composure, talent and maturity have seen her recognised as both a rising star and a role model for young athletes.
Individual Athlete Program earns Program of the Year honours
Led by Laura Piromalli and Carolyn Morrison, the Individual Athlete Program was named Program of the Year, following a standout season of results across multiple sports.
The program exceeded its benchmark targets, highlighted by podium finishes from Lekeisha Pergoliti (Boxing), Sally Pilbeam (Para Triathlon) and Ashtyn Hiron (Lacrosse). Under Piromalli and Morrison’s leadership, the program has strengthened WAIS’s reputation nationally through collaboration, athlete-centred support, and strong stakeholder partnerships, reflecting a true ‘team of teams’ approach.
McDonald recognised with WAIS Excellence Award
The newly introduced WAIS Excellence Award, celebrating outstanding contribution beyond the field of play, was awarded to Shane McDonald, Head Coach – Women’s Basketball.
McDonald was recognised for his leadership and collaboration in advancing the women’s basketball pathway in WA, working with Basketball WA and Basketball Australia to create the Pathway to Categorisation program. His efforts have strengthened the sport’s national performance structure and inspired athletes and coaches across the system.
Valued for his clarity, care and professionalism, McDonald exemplifies the spirit of the It Takes a Village ethos that underpins the WAIS community.
WAIS Chair Dr Neale Fong congratulated all winners and finalists, acknowledging the collective spirit that drives Western Australia’s high-performance sport system.
“These Awards recognise not only world-class performances, but the character, collaboration and care that define what it means to Win Well,” Dr Fong said. “Each recipient embodies the values that make WAIS, and Western Australian sport, truly exceptional.”
