2024 Redbacks Awards Night: A Celebration of Unmatched Athletic and Community Achievements

The 2024 Redbacks Awards Night was an unforgettable celebration, honoring the achievements of RMIT's top athletes, clubs, leaders, and teams.

The 2024 Redbacks Awards Night was a dazzling celebration of athletic achievement, as RMIT’s most outstanding athletes, teams, and leaders were honored for their remarkable accomplishments throughout the year. With a festive atmosphere filled with food, drinks, and great company, the evening spotlighted the stories of dedication, passion, and excellence that define RMIT’s sporting community.

Among the standout moments was the crowning of Cooper Hillyer as Redbacks Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive year. A force in both Tenpin Bowling and Men’s Hockey, Hillyer brought home an impressive three gold medals in Tenpin Bowling and a silver in Hockey at the Uni Nationals, leading his team to the overall pennant in their division. The Tenpin Bowling Team also took home the Nationals Team of the Year award, dominating their events and earning gold and silver in individual categories.

Other highlights of the night included Claude Whitaker, who was named Nationals Leader of the Year for her outstanding contributions to team culture, and Ruby Kelly-Guthrie, whose leadership earned her the Indigenous Nationals Leader award.

The Beach Volleyball team captured the first-ever Nationals Spirit Award for their camaraderie and competitive spirit, while Kurt Tchia received recognition for his exceptional sports media contributions, bringing RMIT’s athletic events to life.

(L) Cooper Hillyer, Redback Athlete of the Year (R) Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Club, Inclusive Club of the Year

Redbacks Nationals Awards

Athlete of the Year: Cooper Hillyer, for his impressive performance in Tenpin Bowling and Men’s Hockey, earning three gold medals and a silver.
Nationals Leader of the Year: Claude Whitaker, for her outstanding leadership and team-building efforts.
Team of the Year: The Tenpin Team, for dominating events and winning the overall pennant.
Indigenous Nationals Leader: Ruby Kelly-Guthrie, for her inspiring leadership and inclusive spirit.
Nationals Spirit Award: Beach Volleyball, for their camaraderie and team spirit.
Contribution to Sports Media: Kurt Tchia, for his extensive media coverage of Redbacks events.

RMIT Redbacks Club Awards

Vice Chancellor’s Club of the Year: RMIT Cheer & Dance Club, for their strong presence and community impact.
Sport Ambassador of the Year: Beatrice Woods, for her leadership in Esports.
Club Leadership Award: Beth Kelly, for her transformative leadership of the Surf Club.
Inclusive Club of the Year: RMIT BJJ, for promoting inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Contribution to Sport: James Henderson (Surf), Daniel Pham (Volleyball), Ivana Canaman (Cheer & Dance), and Max Miller (Ultimate Frisbee).

RMIT Elite Athlete Awards

Male Athlete of the Year: Ben Canham, for his success in rowing, including Olympic aspirations and past World Championship achievements.
Female Athlete of the Year: Jesse Wardlaw, for her outstanding AFLW career and community engagement.

Full Blue Awards: 56 students were recognized for sporting excellence and national squad selection.

(Top L) Beatrice Woods, Sports Ambassador of the Year (Bottom L) Cheer & Dance Club, Vice Chancellors Club of the Year (Top R) Female Athlete of the Year, Jesse Wardlaw (Bottom R) Thomas Holmes, Full Blue award recipient and Michael Parks.

This Awards Night was a true celebration of the Redbacks community, showcasing the extraordinary talent, leadership, and dedication that define RMIT’s sporting spirit. Here's to another year of excellence, and to all those who make it unforgettable!

Learn more and get involved with RMIT Active

14 November 2024

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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