This season was a great one for our women's team.
Tom Frederick shared some words with me in prep for this that I thought I'd read some snippets from.
Unfortunately, they lost to Barking in the playoff semifinal. But their season saw them go 18 and 2 in the regular season. Finish level on points with Milton Keynes, who took the league title on head-to-head by just 2 points.
Here are the award winners this season:
COACHES’ PLAYER OF THE SEASON - ELLIE MAIDMAN
Head Coach Jen Stenzl said:
This year’s Coaches Player is someone really special to me. It first started at Francis Bacon with over 100 girls at a trial around 17 years ago. From there, we’ve grown together — me learning how to coach with that group of 5/6 special players, to winning leagues and playoffs and setting the standard for what Warriors became as a club, and now for Hemel Storm. From long days at Queens, to years of travelling to games, to going off to an academy and uni, and then for me to have the honour to play along side her and even win the ladies league a long time ago now. We’ve shared so many memories, so many miles, and become close friends along the way. I’d say she is one of the most underrated defenders, one of the smartest players on the court, and a real leader of this team — even with the odd mood swing here and there.
PLAYERS’ PLAYER - JOINT WINNERS FEGO LEWIS & EMILY TAYLOR
This season the vote from our players was a tie, so therefore presented two players with this award.
Thoughts on Fego. She is very much a team player and she is very much a joy to play with. Her defence is insane and the team can always rely on her to help. She is the player you want on your side. Not many people can come back after a year off and make the impact that she did. She will be your biggest champion as well as the hardest worker on the court. The other teams are scared when they see those arms coming for them. She’s really came into herself this year. Watching her flourish into the person she is and deserves to be has been the greatest honour and I only ever want the best for her. Fey woahhh for forever!
Thoughts on Emily. She played in a position that she sometimes isn’t comfortable with and got on with it. Was always at training, good at increasing momentum in a game. Has hit under pressure shots when we’ve needed them to win games. Again is a pleasure to play with. She is a player who always leads by example. Not only is she an absolute bucket and splashes 3s for fun (and freckishly strong), she also brings the defence intensity we needed this season. Her energy, determination and competitiveness is infectious and has been game changing. She is an amazing, caring and loyal teammate but an even better person. Is there anything she can’t do! The team wouldn’t be the same without her.
FANS’ PLAYER OF THE SEASON - ROBYN AINGE
A firm fan's favourite!
Thank you to everyone involved in the Club and we look forward to seeing you back in September.