(Image: L-R Jack Wighton, Addison Kowaliw, Ava Prince, James Thornton)
The Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS) hosted its prestigious Viatek Annual Awards Evening on Wednesday, 29th October, at Mingara Recreation Club, recognising outstanding achievements across a wide range of sports and disciplines. Athletes, coaches, and volunteers were celebrated for their hard work, dedication, and success throughout the year.
The pinnacle of the evening was the Athlete of the Year Awards, celebrating those who embody sporting excellence both on and off the field.
Lewis Gifford-Cock, representing the UAA Hockey program, was named Athlete of the Year for his exceptional performances throughout the season. Lewis has had a standout year on the hockey field, representing his club, region, and state with pride and distinction. At club level, he played a pivotal role in the Gosford Hockey Club Men’s Premier League team, helping lead them to a fantastic season as runners up in the Hunter Coast Premier League competition. His impressive representative record includes selection in the NSW Blues Under 18 Men’s team, Sydney North at the Combined High Schools NSW Championships, and the Central Coast at the NSW State Under 18 Championships – capped off by being crowned State Champion at the NSW State Open Championships. Lewis is known for his leadership, consistency, and determination, setting the standard for those around him.
In the para-sport category, Declan Budd was honoured as Para Athlete of the Year for his achievements in swimming. Declan represented Australia at the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore, reaching the finals in all three of his events – the 200m Freestyle (S14), 100m Backstroke (S14), and 100m Butterfly (S14). He was also named Commonwealth Games Australia’s Emerging Athlete of the Month for July. Having earned his coveted gold cap and Dolphin number #P329, Declan now has his sights set firmly on the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games, all while balancing elite training and completing his HSC.
The UAA Indigenous/Torres Strait Islander Athlete of the Year Award was presented to Jack Wighton from the Future Stars program. Jack has had an outstanding year in Cycling, showing remarkable dedication, positivity, and commitment. From earning a bronze medal in B Grade at the Sydney Christmas Carnivals to stepping up to A Grade during his club’s winter race series, Jack has consistently challenged himself to improve. Competing in the national Blackline Track League, he’s honed his tactical racing skills while remaining a positive and influential role model for younger athletes. His enthusiasm, respect, and determination have made him a standout both on and off the track.
The Ray Sandell Dedication to Sporting Excellence Award went to Addison Kowaliw from the Greater Bank Netball Program. Addison is an exceptionally talented athlete who embodies determination, hard work, passion, and leadership. Known for her natural maturity and integrity, she uplifts her teammates, embraces challenges, and continually strives for improvement. Her growth mindset and leadership qualities make her a shining example of what a true CCAS representative can achieve.
Recognising exceptional leadership and commitment, the Chair’s Award was presented to Ava Prince from the Golf program. Ava’s passion for golf is matched by her dedication and sportsmanship. This year she dominated the Your Local Club Academy Games in Tamworth, winning by an incredible 13 shots, claimed her first Greg Chalmers Junior Masters title at Shelly Beach, and remained undefeated across both the 2024 and 2025 Toukley GC local pennant seasons. Her handicap has improved from 4 to +1.5, and she continues to inspire younger golfers through her leadership and love for the game.
In recognition of coaching excellence, James Thornton, from the High Performance Strength and Conditioning program, was named Greater Bank Coach of the Year. A certified Exercise Scientist and Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach, James brings extensive expertise and passion to his work. Over the past two years, he has become one of the Academy’s most respected and popular coaches. Known for creating an environment where athletes feel confident and supported, James helps each athlete develop both strength and self-belief while mentoring university students on placement. His professionalism, knowledge, and genuine care make him an invaluable part of the CCAS coaching team.
Full List of Award Winners
Major Awards
Athlete of the Year: Lewis Gifford-Cock (Hockey)
Para Athlete of the Year: Declan Budd (Swimming)
UAA Indigenous/Torres Strait Islander Athlete of the Year: Jack Wighton (Future Stars/Cycling)
Chair’s Award: Ava Prince (Golf)
Greater Bank Coach of the Year: James Thornton (Strength & Conditioning)
Ray Sandell Dedication to Sporting Excellence: Addison Kowaliw (Netball)
Sport Awards
Aussie Rules Football: Scarlett Booth (Athlete of the Year), Jedda Webb & Locke Englund (Rising Star)
Central Coast Granite Basketball: Logan Tupaea & Grace Garwood (Athletes of the Year), Owen Howes, Mason Potestas, Molly Smith & Lala Tillot (Rising Stars)
Future Stars: Jack Wighton (Athlete of the Year)
Golf: Ava Prince (Athlete of the Year), Kai Tower (Rising Star)
UAA Hockey: Beatrix Taylor & Lewis Gifford-Cock (Athletes of the Year), Poppy Drennan & Gryffen Riddle (Rising Stars)
UAA & Santos Indigenous Program: Bailey Coxon (Rising Star)
Greater Bank Netball: Addison Kowaliw (Athlete of the Year), Emily Davidson & Emily Blacker (Rising Stars)
Greater Bank Netball Umpires: Anna Monteleone (Rising Star)
Para Sports: Declan Budd (Athlete of the Year), Alyssa Gillesie (Rising Star)
Softball: Lachlan Collins (Athlete of the Year), Elliottee Moynahan & Tia Thoburn (Rising Stars)
Surf Life Saving: Tahlia Goy (Rising Star)
Swimming: Piper-jade Wardrop (Rising Star)
Triathlon: Thomas Rice (Athlete of the Year), Mason Pellatt (Rising Star)
Tennis: Lindon Lempreiere (Rising Star)
Congratulations to all the winners, and a special thank you to the coaches, volunteers, and families who continue to support and inspire these talented young athletes. The Central Coast Academy of Sport is proud to nurture and develop the region’s next generation of sporting stars.
A big thank you to our event sponsor Viatek, and to our Platinum Partners: Office of Sport, Santos Hunter Gas Pipeline, UAA, Central Coast Council, Coast Sport, Mingara, Greater Bank, The University of Newcastle, Oddball Marketing, NBN Television, SCA, and the Regional Academies of Sport.
