Rising basketballer Lilli Maywald nominated for 2023 School Sports Award

Talented young basketballer Lilli Maywald is among the nominees for a 2023 SA School Sports Award – for her off-court achievements. See how to enter.

It’s clearly something of an understatement to say Lilli Maywald is keen on basketball.

The Year 10 Springbank Secondary College student is a rising star on the court – with a host of achievements to her credit including state country Under 16 representation, grand final MVP honours and selection in a high performance Under 18 program – but she is also making her mark off it.

So much so that she has won a nomination in the student official category in this year’s The Advertiser, Sunday Mail and Department for Education School Sports Awards.

Maywald’s off-court efforts in 2023 have included completing the Basketball SA Community coaching course, slam-dunking an online coaching accreditation course with Sports Integrity Australia and conducting practical coaching sessions for Springbank Year 7 and 8 students.

Rising basketball star Lilli Maywald, 15, has been recognised for her off-court efforts with a nomination in the 2023 School Sports Awards. Picture: Matt Turner.

She also took charge of games at the School Sports SA Students with Disability Basketball Carnival and participated in a strength and conditioning screening program in conjunction with Flinders University.

The talented 15-year-old, a member of Springbank’s Basketball Academy program, said the sport was an integral part of her life.

“Basketball is not just a sport to me,” she said. “It’s a journey that has transformed my life and will continue to transform my future.”

Maywald, who hoped to secure a scholarship to attend college in the US, said she appreciated the off-court opportunities the academy program had offered.

Lilli Maywald at the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup. Picture: Tony Long

“I’ve participated in officiating inclusive basketball tournaments, ensuring that all children of different abilities have the opportunity to enjoy the game,” she said. “Additionally, I’ve involved myself in coaching, where I’ve had the privilege of leading coaching sessions for primary school students helping them develop essential skills.”

The School Sports Awards are a joint initiative of The Advertiser, Sunday Mail and Department for Education.

There are three major awards in 2023 – individual competitors, individual student officials, and teams, with female and male, and primary and secondary categories all included.

Enrolled primary or secondary students between the ages of 10-18 years are eligible.

Nominate here by Sunday, November 5.