Momentum for finals at Maccabi NSW netball awards
Spirits were high at last Sunday's Maccabi NSW Netball Club awards, as eight of their teams prepare for semis
There was a lot to celebrate at last Sunday’s 2026 Maccabi NSW Netball Club awards presentation at a packed Diamond Bay Bowling Club, knowing that an impressive eight Maccabi teams have earned places in week one of the Randwick Netball Association finals series this Saturday.
Maccabi teams that have made the finals are the U10 Waves and Hearts, the U12 Matildas and Dolphins, the U14 Matildas and Bees, and the women’s Matildas and Bees.
New club president Adam Dinte told the large audience of players, parents, sponsors and volunteers, “I want to start by saying how incredibly proud I am of this club, and what we have achieved this year, and most importantly, thank you to every family here for choosing to support Maccabi.
“It matters, and it makes our club and our community so much stronger.”
He also thanked every committee member for all their work behind the scenes, coaching director Vanessa Abrahams, experienced senior coach and life member Leanne Michaelson, all Maccabi coaches and umpires, awards day sponsor Loggica Accountants, platinum and uniform sponsor Lipman Burgon, and bronze and raffle sponsors.
Special guests included Maccabi NSW president Mandy Penkin and general manager Ori Danieli.
Dinte added that a key part of the club’s success this season has been a focus on quality, high standard coaching and he confirmed that the club has secured access to two new indoor netball courts from when Hakoah White City opens next year.
“Having eight teams in the finals is incredible,” he said, adding that for a small club, “we’re really punching above our weight.”
In addition to best and most improved player awards presented for each team – from the youngest Net Set Go! squads through to the junior and women’s sides – 12 perpetual awards were presented for outstanding achievement:
Levin Family Award for Representative Player: Awen Hiroti, recognised for four years with Randwick’s rep program and being scouted at this year’s NSW State Titles.
Sznajer Trophy for Outstanding Player of the Year: Awen Hiroti, making her a double award winner.
Logicca Coaching Excellence Award: Lexi Chiert.
Lorraine Zeiderman Memorial Trophy (Top Goal Scorer): Claudia Dinte.
Ehrlich Family Award for Excellence in Junior Defence: Zoe Chorn.
Award for Excellence in Junior Mid Court: Jasmine Dinte.
Maister Family Trophy for Junior Sportsmanship: Noa Reid.
Jacqueline Raiz Memorial Award for 14 Year Old Sportsmanship: Amber Isaacs.
Freeland Family Trophy for Umpiring: Amber Levin, who also achieved her C Badge this season.
Junior RNA Player of the Year: Jade Placks, recognised for both playing and giving back through coaching.
Ruth Nissim Encouragement Award: Monique Meyerowitz, for her dedicated behind-the-scenes work on the netball committee.
Lipman Burgon Rookie of the Year: Winnie Wakerman.