Stand out young volleyballer Joel Ladlow from Horsham has taken out the latest monthly Award in the Horsham Sports and Community Club Sports Star of the Year Award.  Joel will receive an embroidered Sports Star of the Year jacket courtesy of DAGS Quality Screen Printing and voucher from Hip Pocket Workwear for having been the successful July winner. 

Joel has an amazing record for one so young – especially at the Victorian Country Volleyball Championships. 

In 2004, he played for the Horsham Volleyball Association’s Under 18 Boys team at age 13 and came away with a silver medal. 

In 2005 he played in Mens Division 2 – again winning silver and in 2006 was a member of the Under 17 team which fought back from two sets down to defeat Bendigo in the Country Championships hosted by the Horsham Club. 

This year he was a member of the Mens Division 2 team that emerged victorious after five thrilling sets against arch rivals Ballarat.  Joel was universally acknowledged by his opponents as the standout player of the final.

Also this year Joel lead his school team to victory in the Victorian Secondary Schools Sports Association Championships and was a member of the Victorian Gold Under 19 team that posted its best result ever at the National Titles. 

Remarkable achievements for someone who had not reached his 17th birthday.  Always first to training, last to leave, Joel has won the Horsham Volleyball Associations A Grade Most Valuable Player Award twice and was voted by his peers as the as the most valuable Horsham College player at the 2007 National Schools Cup.

Monthly winners are eligible to win the $1,000 Sports Star Scholarship and trophy at the 2009 February presentations so if you know of someone who is doing well at their sport and deserves some recognition, why not nominate them in the DAGS Screen Printing and Hip Pocket Workwear Sports Star of the Month. 

All nominees in the monthly award will be presented with certificates signed by the Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino, and the monthly winner receives (aside from the jacket and voucher), a free ticket to the annual presentation and a specially struck medallion from Wimmera Trophies and Gifts.

Nominations are welcome at any time and nomination forms are available from the Sports Assembly 5382 4599 or click here to download individual nomination form   
A reminder that the Special Category awards (teams, coaches, veterans etc)  are welcome at any time and will be presented alongside the Horsham Sports and Community Club Sports Star of the Year next February.  [download Specific Category Nomination Form]