The honour represents an extraordinary turnaround for the proud Nunukul/Kanolu woman, who entered 2025 contemplating walking away from netball and now stands as Queensland’s leading state league talent.
After missing selection in state teams throughout her teenage years, Sheppard persisted. She was named the Titans’ Ruby Division MVP in 2025 before earning her representative breakthrough with Queensland’s First Nations team.
Her rise continued in 2026. Alongside a standout HPNL campaign for the Titans, Sheppard made her Firebirds Futures debut in Super Netball Reserves and was selected in the Black Swans First Nations national team.
Sheppard then played a leading role in Queensland’s recent First Nations Tournament triumph in Melbourne last month, claiming tournament MVP honours and earning selection in the 2027 Black Swans squad following the national tournament.
The Katie Walker Medal was presented by Queensland Firebirds Alumni and HPNL Sapphire Division icon Katie Walker.
The Performance Coach of the Year award was shared by Capricorn Claws coach Samantha Dippel (Wulli Wulli/Wakka Wakka) and Kedron-Wavell Cougars coach Patti Farrell.
The awards were celebrated at a gala function at Carina Leagues Club on Thursday evening, recognising outstanding athletes, coaches and officials from across Queensland’s performance pathway.
Queensland’s state team standouts were also recognised, with Ruby Stanford named Queensland 17U MVP, Charlotte Jonsen taking out the Queensland 19U MVP award, Molly Low earning Queensland GEMS MVP honours and Lachlan Carter crowned Queensland Suns MVP.
Sheppard also received the Sharon Finnan-White OAM Medal as Queensland First Nations MVP, adding to a landmark year in which she helped Queensland claim the national First Nations title.
NQ PERFORMANCE PATHWAY AWARD WINNERS
Katie Walker Medal (Sapphire Division MVP) - Aaliyah Sheppard (Gold Coast Titans)
Performance Coach of the Year - Samantha Dippel (Capricorn Claws) / Patti Farrell (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Performance Official of the Year - James Matthews-Maher
Ruby Series MVP - Ashleigh Stariha (Carina Leagues Club Tigers)
M-League MVP - Zac Dunfee (Brisbane South Wildcats)
Ruby North MVP - Annie Lawrie (Capricorn Claws)
Queensland Suns Rising Sun - Lachlan Brandon
Queensland Suns MVP - Lachlan Carter
Queensland 17U MVP - Ruby Stanford
Queensland 17U Players’ Player - Ruby Stanford
Queensland 19U MVP - Charlotte Jonsen
Queensland 19U Players’ Player - Rio Burns
Judy Sampson Memorial Trophy - Sarah Joyce
Queensland GEMS MVP - Molly Low
Queensland GEMS Spirit Award - Jasmine Davis
Sharon Finnan-White OAM Medal (Queensland First Nations MVP) - Aaliyah Sheppard
Queensland First Nations Players’ Player - Georgia Lindsay
