WAIS Netball Athlete Snares National Award

WAIS netball scholarship holder and West Coast Fever representative Andrea Gilmore has capped off a sensational year by being crowned the 2009 netball Australia 21 and Under player of the year.

Gilmore was honoured at the Netball Australia Awards Night last weekend and was on hand to accept her award.

The award was voted on by the National selectors, National 21 and Under coaches and members of the National 21 Team after each match at the World Youth Cup.

Gilmore was a member of the Australia team that claimed victory in the World Youth Cup in the Cook Islands and also enjoyed a breakthrough season in the ANZ Championship with the West Coast Fever – receiving regular court time and impressing against some of the league’s best names.

One of the people who has contributed significantly to Gilmore’s development – WAIS head netball coach Michelle Wilkins said Andrea had been shocked and overwhelmed by the award.

“Andrea was completely humbled by the award and didn’t expect to win given the quality in the group,” Wilkins said.

“But if anything this highlights the fact that she too is a quality netball player and hopefully this will give her extra self belief as at times she has under valued her worth,” she said.

Wilkins commented that the award meant more given it was bestowed by peers and admitted her pride for a WAIS athlete to take the award.

“I was very pleased for Andrea,” Wilkins said. “There is no better indicator than to receive recognition from your peers.”