Only four have been given in the Deniliquin Junior Giants history, with the latest awarded to Richenda Everett.
Her husband Michael, Brendan Willoughby and Leanne Landy are the others to be bestowed the honour since 2016.
Richenda has spent her entire life playing basketball, and also supports her family in their sporting endeavours.
Her journey with the Deni Junior Giants specifically began in 2017, when she coached both the under-12s boys and under-12s boys development teams.
Prior to the coaching position she facilitated the hoops program through the Deniliquin Stadium.
“Her extensive knowledge base has been a fantastic platform to instil the basics into the under-12s teams,” her citation for the honour read.
“Immediate, significant improvement and growth had developed under her guidance.
“Richenda also helped guiding new coaches and stepped up to fill in without hesitation when other coaches were unavailable.
“She has also filled in as team manager to provide support when required.”
In 2018, Richenda joined the committee and has remained an active member since.
She has also held numerous general committee roles including uniform and merchandise, kit bag and game day duties and the process for MVP.
During COVID, when representative basketball was unlikely, she was a driving force with other committee members.
They organised gala days and took on umpiring positions to ensure players had the opportunity to take the court - albeit a little different to previous years.
Richenda has also been instrumental in the Deniliquin Stadium basketball competitions outside of the Giants.
Her roles included organising and facilitating hoops programs, coaching domestic competitions, umpiring junior, senior men and women and mixed competitions, along with scoring and assisting with training sessions.
“Her involvement has contributed to the continued growth and development of basketball in Deniliquin and in turn the Deni Junior Giants,” Deni Junior Giants president Matthew Way said.
In accepting the award, Richenda said it was an “incredible honour”.
“The emotion of the moment overcame me and I was lost for words,” she said.
“I started back as a junior playing at the old stadium at Deni Rams, and with Deni Demons.
“I have always had the most supportive and encouraging coaches.
“I wanted to continue that myself and keep the kids playing and loving the game as long as possible.
“I love spending this time together as a family and watching the kids grow and develop their skills, I thoroughly enjoy every moment we are at a court.
“I would like to thank each team and every player, coach, team manager, committee members and families I have worked with - in Deni Hoops, Deniliquin Stadium, Deni Giants and Deni Junior Giants.
“Finally, thank you to my family - Mick, Bon and Fred.
“Once again thank you all for this wonderful honour, I will treasure it always.”
21°C