History made at Sports Awards

History was made at the Central Coast Sports Awards with two athletes crowned joint Sportsperson of the Year: a first in the award’s history.

The evening celebrated outstanding achievements over the past year by Central Coast athletes, volunteers, coaches, clubs and associations, culminating in the historic announcement that the judges were unable to split the achievements of World Champion High Jumper Nicola Olyslagers and World Champion Surfer Molly Picklum, with both crowned Sportsperson of the Year 2025.

Over 160 guests from across the coast attended the dinner with 13 awards presented. One of those attending was recent inductee into the Central Coast Sporting Hall of Fame, Leisl Tesch MP, who was given a standing ovation in recognition of her lifetime of sporting achievements.

Sport Central Coast Deputy Chairman Mark Ramsdale acknowledged the diverse range of nominees across all categories, and thanked the many volunteers and sponsors who help make the awards a celebrated night on the Central Coast sporting calendar.

“We can’t function without the wonderful support we receive from our Board, sponsors and sport and active recreation community across the Central Coast,” said Ramsdale.

“We saw a record number of nominations this year and I am grateful to the judging panel who had the unenviable task of sorting through many phenomenal nominations. As can be seen, it was a difficult undertaking.

“My final thanks go out to the sport and active recreation community of the Central Coast. If it weren’t for those playing, coaching, officiating, volunteering, or supporting, our community would not have the opportunities we do to participate in local activities and programs.”

Gosford RSL Central Coast Sports Awards 2025 Winners:

Club/Association of the Year (sponsored by StarFM):

• Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club.

Junior Team of the Year (sponsored by Coast Sport):

• Central Coast Rebels U12 M1 (Basketball)

Young Coach/Official of the Year (sponsored by Central Coast Sports College):

• Jonte Wicks (Hockey)

Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability (sponsored by Mingara One):

• Ayden Littlechild (Surf Life Saving)

Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Erina Ice Arena):

• Michelle Tindall – Gwandalan and (Summerland Point Football Club)

Event/Initiative of the Year (sponsored by StarFM):

• Bay 2 Bay Running Festival (Terrigal Trotters)

Coach of the Year sponsored by Central Coast Sports College:

• Matthew Hornsell (athletics)

Masters Sportsperson of the Year sponsored by Central Coast Sport:

• Hayden Smith (Masters Surf Life Saving)

Team of the Year sponsored by NSW Office of Sport:

• Central Coast Indigenous Girls (soccer)

Official of the Year sponsored by Erina Ice Arena:

• Shann Mitchell (Surf Life Saving Central Coast)

Community Sportsperson of the Year sponsored by Central Coast Sports College:

• Kelly McAndrew (Athletics)

Young Sportsperson of the Year sponsored by the Donnica Clarke Foundation:

• Carter Thompson (motorbike racing)

Sportsperson of the Year sponsored by Gosford RSL:

• Nicola Olyslagers (high jump) and Molly Picklum (surfing)