2024 Queensland Sport Award Winners

Paris Olympians, Paralympians, community legends and home-grown stars were celebrated this week at the 2024 Queensland Sport Awards, with six iconic names inducted to the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame and tennis great Pat Rafter OLY officially elevated to legend status.

Hockey Queensland is proud to announce that two of our nominees were named as award winners.

Congratulations to:

·        Sports Accounting Australia 2024 Queensland Junior Sport Team of the Year - Queensland Under 18 Girls Hockey Team (Hockey)

·        Konica Minolta 2024 Queensland Sport Official of the Year - Steve Rogers (Hockey)

Mark Knowles OAM OLY was inducted into the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame alongside Paul Vautin (Rugby League), Emilee Cherry OAM OLY (Rugby Union), Jim Atkins OAM (Horse Racing (NB: posthumously)), Shaun Hart (AFL), Mark Knowles OAM OLY (Hockey) and Darren Thrupp OAM PLY (Athletics).

These awards recognise the outstanding contribution our community members make to hockey, and we are proud to have them as part of #TeamQLD.

SEE ALL WINNERS

About Steve Rogers

Achievements and Performance:

1.        International Officiating:

a.        FIH Olympic Games 2024: Steve achieved a remarkable milestone by umpiring the Men's Gold Medal Match at the 2024 Olympic Games. This prestigious appointment underscores his elite status and exceptional skill as an umpire on the global stage.

b.       FIH Olympic Qualifiers, Oman (January 2024): Steve's role in the Olympic Qualifiers demonstrated his ability to perform at critical international tournaments, further highlighting his competence and experience.

c.        FIH Pro League (December 2023 - June 2024): Throughout the Pro League season, Steve maintained a high standard of officiating, showcasing his consistent performance and commitment to the sport.

2.        Mentorship and Coordination:

a.        Mentor and Coordinator: Steve actively mentors and coordinates umpires at the Brisbane Hockey Association (BHA), playing a crucial role in the development and support of emerging officials.

b.       HQ Umpire Mentor and Assessor: His contributions extend to Hockey Queensland (HQ), where he serves as an umpire mentor and assessor, further supporting the growth and professionalism of the officiating community.

3.        Local and State Contributions:

a.        Umpiring at BHA and 21s Trials: Steve has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the sport by umpiring at local and state levels, including 21s trials. His involvement at these levels showcases his dedication to fostering talent and supporting the sport's infrastructure.

4.        Exemplary Conduct and Values:

a.        Embracing QLD Values: Steve embodies the values of Queensland hockey as an official and member of HQ. He upholds the Code of Conduct and HQ processes with respect and adherence.

b.       Positive and Supportive Attitude: Known for his positive, supportive approach, Steve displays sportsmanship and respect for players, umpires, and officials, contributing to a positive and professional environment in the sport.

Achievements

Steve Rogers has demonstrated unparalleled excellence and dedication in the field of officiating, making him an outstanding candidate for the Queensland Sport Official of the Year Award. His achievements over the past year, combined with his significant contributions to the development and mentoring of other officials, set him apart as a leading figure in the sport of hockey.

Steve Rogers' achievements in officiating at the highest levels of international competition, coupled with his significant contributions to mentoring and developing other officials, highlight his exceptional dedication and skill. His roles in prestigious tournaments like the Olympics and Pro League, combined with his local and state-level contributions, reflect a high standard of excellence in officiating.

Steve's remarkable achievements, including umpiring the Men's Gold Medal Match at the 2024 Olympic Games and his extensive work in mentoring and coordinating umpires, make him a deserving candidate for the Queensland Sport Official of the Year Award. His exemplary conduct, commitment to the sport, and positive influence on the officiating community underscore his exceptional contributions and set him apart as a leader in the field.

About the Queensland Under 18 Girls Hockey Team

Achievements and Performance:

1.        2024 Australian Under 18 Championships:

a.        National Champions: The Queensland Under 18 Girls Hockey Team achieved the highest honour by winning the 2024 Australian Under 18 Championships. Their performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of exceptional, culminating in an undefeated streak that highlighted their skill and determination

b.       Consistency and Resilience: The team's ability to maintain an unbeaten record in a highly competitive environment demonstrates their resilience and focus. Their success in the tournament underscores their commitment to excellence and ability to perform under pressure.

2.        Individual Recognitions:

a.        Hockey Australia's Futures Program: Ten members of the team earned spots in Hockey Australia's Futures Program, which provides specialized development opportunities through camps and international competitions. This achievement reflects the high level of talent and potential within the team

b.       Development Squad Selections: Two athletes from the team have already been identified for the Development Squad, highlighting their individual skill and potential for future success in hockey.

3.        Team Dynamics and Leadership:

a.        Strong Team Culture: The team's success is not only a result of individual talent but also the strong team culture and leadership that have been integral to their achievements. Their ability to work cohesively and support one another has been key to their performance and success.

b.       Exemplary Professionalism: The level of professionalism and excellence displayed by the team at such a young age is commendable. Their achievements reflect the exceptional quality of hockey being developed in Queensland and set a high standard for future teams.

Achievements

The Queensland Under 18 Girls Hockey Team has displayed extraordinary talent, teamwork, and dedication throughout the 2024 season, making them a standout candidate for the Junior Sport Team of the Year Award. Their exceptional performance and accomplishments reflect a high standard of excellence in junior hockey.

The Queensland Under 18 Girls Hockey Team's accomplishments in winning the 2024 Australian Under 18 Championships and securing spots in the Futures Program and Development Squad are significant. Their success not only highlights their individual capabilities but also showcases the strength of Queensland's hockey programs. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to other young athletes and demonstrate the high potential for future success in the sport.

The Team's remarkable performance and achievements throughout the 2024 season make them a deserving candidate for the Junior Sport Team of the Year Award. Their undefeated streak, individual recognitions, and strong team dynamics reflect a level of excellence and professionalism that sets them apart from their peers. The team's success exemplifies the outstanding talent and dedication present in Queensland's junior hockey scene.