The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) is proud to announce the finalists for the notable 2025 WAIS Awards of Excellence – a celebration of our most outstanding achievements in high performance sport.
Spanning the selection period from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025, this year’s finalists represent a diverse cross-section of sports, showcasing the depth of talent and commitment within WAIS athlete programs. The Awards not only recognise competitive success but also honour those who exemplify WAIS’s core values: Unite, Care, Lead, Inspire – and the principle of winning well to inspire future generations.
Winners will be revealed at a special awards and cocktail reception at Optus Stadium on 3 November 2025, where WAIS will pay tribute to the athletes, coaches, programs and individuals who have set new standards of excellence.
Congratulations to all finalists on their remarkable achievements and contributions to Australian sport.
2025 WAIS Awards of Excellence Finalists
YOUNG ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
- Samantha Lourey – Canoeing
- Connor Wright – Cycling
- Scarlet Jauncey – Netball
- Ebony Stevenson – Wheelchair Basketball
COACH & PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
- Shane Perkins – Cycling
- Laura Piromalli & Carolyn Morrison – Individual Athlete Program
- Shane McDonald – Women’s Basketball
WAIS EXCELLENCE AWARD
- Trent Mitton – Facilities & Operations Manager
- Shane McDonald – Head Coach – Women’s Basketball
- Helen Bayne – Movement Scientist – Senior
PARA ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
- Chad Perris – Athletics
- Sally Pilbeam – Para Triathlon
- Ebony Stevenson – Wheelchair Basketball
- Taishar Ovens – Wheelchair Basketball
ABLE-BODIED ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
- Kurtis Marschall – Athletics
- Lekeisha Pergoliti – Boxing
- Maddison Keeney – Diving
- Zac Littlewood – Sailing
- Kyle Lee – Swimming
