Victorian School Sporting Stars Shine at the MCG for 2025 VSSA Awards
The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground played host to a different kind of champion this week as the 2025 Victorian School Sports Awards (VSSA) celebrated the brightest sporting talents in the state's education system.
On Wednesday, 25 March, around 250 guests—including Nina Taylor MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Education—gathered to honour the exceptional performance, leadership, and community spirit of Victorian students, teachers, and coordinators.
Hosted by four-time national diving champion Laura Hingston, the ceremony highlighted the dual importance of athletic excellence and the "off-field" dedication that keeps students thriving in sport.
Top Individual Honors
The most prestigious awards recognised students who have balanced high-level competition whilst demonstrating significant leadership:
- The Lindsay Gaze Outstanding Sports Leadership Award: Presented to Alisa Kayukov of Eltham High School. A volleyball star who captained the Team Vic team to gold in 2024, Kayukov's impact extends to being an assistant coach of the team in 2025, as well as her role developing umpires and running events.
- Outstanding Sporting Achievement Award: Won by Chloe Spencer from Maribyrnong Sports Academy. Following a dominant season in Taekwondo—including gold at the British Open and bronze at the Cadet World Championships—Spencer was recently named Taekwondo Australia's 2025 Junior Athlete of the Year.
- Outstanding Student Official Award: Awarded to Elijah Kata of Berwick College. A versatile basketball talent, Kata not only captained his school to a national title and represented Australia in a competition in Singapore, but also demonstrated high level officiating skills, refereeing the gold medal match at the School Sport Australia Championships.
A total of 33 students were also presented with Sporting Blue awards, the highest accolade for sporting excellence within the Victorian government school system.
Celebrating the Architects of Sport
The School Sport Victoria (SSV) awards also turned the spotlight on those who work behind the scenes. SSV Life Memberships were bestowed upon Sean Kavanagh, Michelle Lonergan and Cameron Heath for their lifelong commitment to school sport.
Furthermore, five educators were recognised as SSV Coordinators of the Year for their leadership in regional and metropolitan areas:
- Primary District Coordinator of the Year: Wayne Schultz, Dallas Brooks Community Primary School
- Primary Division Coordinator of the Year: Xavier Hughes, Morwell Park Primary School
- Primary Region Coordinator of the Year: Billy Rilen, St Pauls Anglican Grammar
- Secondary Division Coordinator of the Year: Leanne Rawson, Nathalia Secondary College
- Secondary Region Coordinator of the Year: Janelle Graham, Berwick College
Championing the Spirit of Sport
Bairnsdale Secondary College took out the Spirit of Sport Award, awarded to the SSV member school to have best exemplified positive values, behaviours, respect, integrity and leadership at SSV State Finals.
The 2025 VSSAs serve as a reminder that Victorian school sport is more than just a scoreboard; it is a vital opportunity that builds resilience, leadership, and lifelong health for the next generation.
