Cycling

CRUZ MCGUINESS

2022 RUGBY UNION ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Cruz McGuiness is a talented rugby player, taking his rugby to new heights in 2022.

Cruz was selected in the NSW Country U14s squad after his impressive performances at the 2022 NSW State and Country Championships representing Illawarra District.

His training mentality and performance at NSW Country Camps led to his selection in the NSW Country team, where he was the starting tighthead prop.

IAS Rugby Coach, Ian Westwood said, “Cruz has a great attitude to training, continually asking how to improve and develop as a front rower.”

Cruz enthusiastically gives back to his local community, volunteering through rugby and the IAS, including at the Great Illawarra Walk. Cruz is an advocate for the IAS MCR Indigenous Sports Program.

Leading by example to his cohort, Cruz was selected as an IAS Rugby Union Captain.

All the best for your future in rugby Cruz. Well done!

MONTANA DOUBELL

2022 TRIATHLON ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Montana Doubell had a phenomenal season and continued to excel in triathlon, taking out the IAS Triathlete of the Year for a second year in a row.

Montana was selected into the NSW Palladium Youth Mixed Relay Team, one of the highest honours in the sport. Competing against the best youth athletes from the Oceania region, she secured 3rd place in the Youth Female Oceania National Super Sprint.

In only her second year of competing in triathlon, Montana won the NSW All Schools Intermediate division and was selected to represent NSW at the Australia All Schools Championships.

Montana placed 2nd in the Youth Female division in the Triathlon NSW Billigence Series after winning the Macquarie Fields Race, placing second at Penrith, Canberra and Orange.

“Montana has a fierce will to will and do everything to be the best possible athlete she can be,” Head Coach Ben Bell said.

“She always asks questions and is prepared to challenge herself. As an IAS Captain she has led by example, always encouraging and supporting the squad.”

Montana is a talented all-round athlete, and is also a member of the BluescopeWIN Lonestar program excelling in AFL and Surf Life Saving.

What a year Montana, congratulations!

ALEXANDRIA SMITH

2022 VOLLEYBALL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Alexandria Smith is a competitive volleyball athlete excelling in both indoor and beach disciplines. Alexandria was a 2022 Volleyball Captain, leading the IAS girls to victory at the inaugural Volleyball NSW / RASi Championships.

Alexandria represented NSW at the 2022 Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championships, bringing back home the silver medal in the Under 18 Girls.

In indoor volleyball, Alexandria also had an outstanding year. She skilfully assisted the NSW U19 Phoenix team to their bronze medal at the Australian Junior Volleyball Championships. Alexandria represented the victorious NSW CHS at the 2022 All Schools Volleyball Championships.

Her commitment to training and deserve to improve, led to her invitation to Junior National Training Camps and be part of the Junior National Team selection process.

Alexandria competes in Illawarra’s top women’s team in the open age Sydney Volleyball League. She was integral in her team winning gold in the Women’s Reserve division, Illawarra’s greatest result over the past 20 years.

“Alexandria is enthusiastic and always looking for opportunities to further herself as an athlete. She has a mature attitude, and approaches training with an open mind and is quick to apply what she has learnt in a game situation,” Coach Nicholas Thorpe said.

Fantastic achievements Alexandria, congratulations!