Washbourne Wins Award at WA Netball’s Night of Nights

WAIS netball scholarship holders featured prominently at the 2009 WA Netball Awards last week with Mia Washbourne taking out the prestigious Jill McIntosh medal.

In what has been a successful year for WA netball – with the West Coast Fever showing improved form and the WAIS state premier league side featuring in the finals – Washbourne was adjudged the winner of the umpire voted award on a count back.

WAIS head netball coach Michelle Wilkins claimed the award caught the young star by surprise in what has been a meteoric season for the goal keeper.

“Mia was shocked and overwhelmed after receiving the award but it certainly capped off a very successful 2009 season for her,” Wilkins said.

“At 17 Mia has been selected in the State 21 and under team for past two years, the National 19 and under team and capped this season off with an encouraging ANL performance and subsequent invitation to AIS selection Camp this weekend.”

The WA Netball Annual Awards dinner was held on Friday Night at the Burswood Entertainment Complex with WAIS athletes featuring in a number of the major awards.

WAIS shooter Sarah East took out the Smarter than Smoking Player of the Year award. This Award is voted on by members of the crowd throughout the season.

East was also runner up for the Players’ Player Award, which was won by Kirby Bentley.

Three WAIS athletes were named in the Team of the Year, with Mia Washbourne, Alicia Janz and Ash Neal all lauded for excellent campaigns.

WAIS scholarship holders Sarah Tatam and Mia Washbourne travelled to the AIS selection camp in Canberra last weekend to trial for 2010 AIS scholarships.

The WAIS netball squad will attend the SIS/SAS Challenge in Sydney this weekend where they will take on teams from other state sports institutions.