Josh Coate and Sam Lemusu shared the coveted prize at the 2023 NQ Awards held at the Hilton Brisbane on Saturday, celebrating their achievements as co-coaches of a team made up of seven, eight and nine-year-old players.
Combining energy, enthusiasm and inclusivity, the pair of “dad-coaches” were nominated for their refreshing approach to the sport – making them worthy winners of an award recognising individuals who demonstrate a commitment to Netball Queensland’s values while significantly contributing to the growth, development, sustainability and delivery of netball.
“Sam and Josh’s efforts to bring their whole selves to their role making them hugely deserving winners of the Spirit of Netball award,” Netball Queensland General Manager Netball Glenn Dennis said.
“Their nominations highlighted the many ways both have encouraged their players to be truly sporting and humble whether through the implementing a system of their players choosing an opposition team member as Players’ Player for each match or encouraging younger members of the team to back their own ability and skills.
“Many times they could be seen cheering for the opposition as much as their own team, setting a standard for all to follow within their club and association.
“Both Sam and Josh display how netball is a sport for all and regardless of gender, age, ability, cultural background or ethnicity anyone can contribute and be involved.”
Coate and Lemusu were among several award winners recognised at the event, which was expanded this year to include guests and finalists from Netball Queensland’s 17U and 19U teams, the Firebirds Futures team, Queensland Suns Men’s and Mixed teams, the HART Sapphire Series and Ruby Series teams as well as an acknowledgement of the 2023 Queensland Gems and their participation in the Marie Little Shield.
Among the other award-winners on the night, Phoenix Netball Club were awarded the inaugural Netball Respect Award while Townsville City Netball Association was named Large Community Organisation of the Year and Inclusion in Netball award winners as well as member John Eves claiming the Senior Coach of the Year prize.
The NQ Awards came midway through the weekend’s NQ Leaders Conference which was held on Saturday and Sunday at Hilton Brisbane.
The event brought together community leaders and members of Queensland’s 82 member associations and their clubs to explore netball’s path through 2024 and beyond and featured a keynote address from Australia Diamonds World Cup-winning head coach Stacey Marinkovich.
NQ AWARDS – 2023 WINNERS
SPIRIT OF NETBALL - Josh Coate and Sam Lemusu (Downey Park Netball Association)
SENIOR COMMUNITY COACH OF THE YEAR - John Eves (Townsville City Netball Association)
JUNIOR COMMUNITY COACH OF THE YEAR - Linda Munroe (Hinterland Districts Netball Association)
COMMUNITY OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR - Michael Clarke (Redlands Netball Association)
PERFORMANCE OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR - Nicola Stevens (Western Districts Netball Association)
TEACHER OF THE YEAR - Alicia Green (Kings Christian College)
SPIRIT OF NETBALL (YOUTH) - Maya Thorne (Redlands Netball Association)
INCLUSION IN NETBALL - Townsville City Netball Association
COMMUNITY INNOVATION - Pine Rivers Netball Association
WOOLWORTHS NETSETGO CENTRE OF THE YEAR - Whitsundays Netball Association
NETBALL SCHOOL OF THE YEAR - St James College
COMMUNITY ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR (LESS THAN 500 PEOPLE) - Gympie and District Netball Association
COMMUNITY ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR (MORE THAN 500 PEOPLE) - Townsville City Netball Association
NETBALL RESPECT AWARD - Phoenix Netball Club
