TFAP Athlete of the Year

This award is for the best of the best: the nation’s top sportswoman. Recognising an athlete who has achieved exceptional results at both national and international levels. This individual has demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and made significant contributions to their sport, serving as a leader and role model. They have excelled in their field, advocated for women in sports, and captivated the nation with their achievements.​

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Jessica Fox - Paddle: Double Gold in Paris, K-1 and C-1 after carrying the flag at the Opening Ceremony. Fox became the first paddler, male or female, to win and hold both K-1 and C-1 Olympic titles, and also became the most decorated athlete in canoe slalom at the Olympics. Also Won Gold at the World Champs in 2023 in the K-1 and Bronze in the C-1.​

Moment of the Year

A significant and highly memorable sporting moment that sent the country into a frenzy, or created significant national conversation. This award is given to a moment in play, as the result of a single game or season, or to acknowledge a major moment that captured the public’s attention. The team or individual had an extraordinary victory (or moment) in their game/competition/race/season that got Australia talking both on social media, in conventional media and in pubs, clubs and parks around the nation. It changed the perception of the team or individual, and in turn the sport, empowering women and/or putting their chosen sport on the social media agenda.

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​The Matildas - Cortnee Vine - Penalty (Football): Cortnee Vine came off the bench deep into extra time for the Tillies in the Quarter Final against France. She was the 10th penalty taker on coach Tony Gustavsson's list and it all came down to her. When her strike hit the back of the net, the whole of Australia roared. She sent her team to the Semi Final and changed sport in this country forever.

Team of the Year

This award recognises a team that has demonstrated outstanding performance and improvement over the past 16 months. They have excelled in their sport, consistently competing at the highest level throughout the eligibility period. Their achievements on the field are complemented by their exemplary sportsmanship and positive contributions off the field, reflecting a commitment to both excellence and integrity.

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Stingers - Water Polo: The Stingers were outstanding in Paris. Going to the Olympics as an outside emedal chance the swept nearly all before them, just going down to Spain in the final to win Silver and record their best Olympic result since Sydney 2000.

One to Watch

Get excited for “the next big thing”. This award celebrates the next gen Australian sporting star who is making a significant impact in their chosen sport. This athlete may have already achieved remarkable success, whether on local or international stages or they might be just starting out. Displaying immense potential, the one to watch is destined for big things. We recognise them not only for their athletic achievements but also for their determination, courage, and burgeoning leadership skills. This athlete encourages others to chase their dreams, stay involved in sports, and believe that anything is possible.

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Arisa Trew - Skateboarding: Arisa knows no bounds. She won Gold in the park skateboarding event at the 2024 Olympics in Paris at the age of 14 making her Australia's youngest ever Olympic champion. And she continues to go where others haven't being the first women's skateboarder to land a 720 and a 900 in competition.

The Return

This award celebrates an athlete who has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in overcoming significant challenges to make a triumphant return to their sport. The recipient has shown outstanding perseverance, courage, and dedication, turning adversity into an amazing comeback that has captivated us all and helped to motivate others to pursue their goals.

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Alexa Leary - Para Swimming: Alexa is the very definition of determination. The budding triathlon star’s world changed in an instant after a cycling accident on the Sunshine Coast in July, 2021. She spent over 100 days in hospital and after learning to walk and talk again she got back in the pool. At the 2024 Paris Paralympics Alexa won Gold medals in Women's 100m freestyle S9 (WR) and Mixed 4 x 100m medley 34 pts (PR) and a Silver in the Mixed 4 x 100m freestyle 34 pts.​

The Rising Tide

At The Female Athlete Project, we are firm believers in the phrase ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’. This athlete has gone above and beyond by leveraging their influence and platform to support and uplift others, whether through fundraising, advocacy, or active involvement in causes that benefit athletes and the wider community. Their commitment to enhancing the lives of others and promoting positive change in the sports world exemplifies the spirit of generosity and leadership.

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Lydia Williams - Football: Lydia Williams was Australia's longest serving Matilda when she announced her international retirement after the Paris Olympics. Williams is one of only two Indigenous Australians to earn 100 Matildas caps along with Kyah Simon and she has had a huge influence on the game around the world. Off the field Williams is a PFA executive member and FIFPro advisory board member. doing the work to ensure that those that come after her are afforded every opportunity to be the best they can be.

Impactful Storyteller

This award recognises a journalist or media personality who has excelled in covering women in sport and highlighting the stories of female athletes. This individual has demonstrated exceptional skill in bringing attention to women's sports through insightful reporting, compelling storytelling, and a commitment to elevating female athletes' achievements and challenges. Their work has significantly contributed to greater visibility and understanding of women's sports, fostering a more inclusive and equitable media landscape.

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Ann Odong - Football: Ann is the Media & PR Manager at Football Australia and has steered the rise of the Matilda's to the very top of the mountain. Her passion and advocacy for not just women in football, but women in all areas of sport, has undoubtedly contributed to the success of so many. She continues to share the stories of the women that inspire us every day.​

Outstanding Official

This award recognises an individual—whether a coach or manager, referee or umpire, CEO or leader in a sports organisation—who has been a champion for advancing women in sports. The recipient has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting athletes through their professional role. This individual has made a significant impact in shifting public perception of female athletes and has contributed meaningfully to raising awareness at the corporate and media levels, warranting special recognition.

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Rebecca Rippon - Water Polo: Rebecca took on the Head Coach role of the Singers only 9 months prior to Paris. The impact she has had led to one the Water Polo's greatest moments since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, securing a Silver medal for Australia. Her return to the sport, now as a leader, showcases her perseverance, courage, and unwavering dedication to the game she loves.

Grassroots Guardian

This award recognizes an outstanding individual who excels in and contributes to their local sports community. It honours someone who stands out not only for their achievements in their sport but also for their dedication to supporting and enhancing the community around them. Known for their commitment both on and off the field, they embody the true spirit and values of sportsmanship. This person may not earn a living from their sport and could be balancing other full-time employment.

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Gill Cotter - Netball: Gill’s passion is for others to love netball as much as she does. She puts her heart and soul into encouraging others to improve their skills, enjoy being on court and having fun with friends while playing a sport they love. This year Gill has taken on many roles within the Netball community. She was the under 10/11s representative coach, the Fixtures & Grading Convenor. She coached 2 junior club teams, coached the Div 1 club team and captain/coached a div 2 club team, whilst also being on the South West Rocks Club Executive Committee. Also holding her National C badge for umpiring, when she has any spare time she umpires and umpire coaches up and coming umpires as well. The highlight of Gill’s week is facilitating Walking Netball with the retired netballers, where they enjoy a slow paced version of our game. Gill also has facilitated multiple teams for local Koori Netball Gala days, going into schools and promoting netball amongst the indigenous community. Helping to grow their opportunities and connections amongst their culture. Gill takes so much time out of her life to give to plenty of young girls and women, having an enormous impact on the netball community.

TFAP Hall of Fame

Ellie Cole - Para-swimming: Ellie Cole is the most decorated Australian Female Paralympian of all time. Her trophy cabinet is over flowing with Paralympic, World Championship and Commonwealth Games medals collected across the span of her incredible 16 year career in the pool. Ellie fittingly was bestowed the honour of being flagbearer at the Tokyo 2020 Closing Ceremony.

In the short time since Ellie’e retirement she has already been instrumental in promoting the Para-sport movement across Australia for both Paralympics Australia and the Commonwealth Sport Movement and was appointed Australian Team General Manager for the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games.

Ellie’s legacy is aleady immense, her relentless drive for equity in Para sports and for women in sports make her a game-changer and TFAP are honoured to announce Ellie Cole as the inaugural inductee into the TFAP Hall of Fame.