Boomers gather to celebrate: Lindsay Allen takes home Michele Timms medal
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers gathered with the clubs nearest and dearest at Melbourne Zoo on Thursday night to celebrate the past Championship season and recognise the hard work and achievements of all involved at the club.
Lindsay Allen took home the Most Valuable Player honours, awarded the Michele Timms medal for the second time in her four seasons at the Boomers (last in 2018/2019), after a stellar year in purple. Currently overseas, Allen was unable to attend in person and recorded a video to convey her thanks.
Allen averaged 33.9 minutes a game this past season, she was the second highest overall scorer at the club and averaged 14.2 points per game. The All-WNBL second team member, achieved a season average of 3.9 assists – highest at the club – and her 38.4% three-point accuracy was top five in the league.
Throughout the season, Allen embodied consistency, as well as time and time again proving integral to coming out on top when the stakes were highest.
Player’s Player of the Year had dual winners in Izzy Wright and Ezi Magbegor. Both Wright and Magbegor tied for the player voted by their teammates who best demonstrated and upheld the values of the Boomers, was supportive and encouraging, whilst always being a true team player and giving her best.
Wright was able to accept her award in person, whilst Magbegor recorded a video message for the event whilst she currently competes overseas for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. Both players highlighted how being chosen alongside the other made winning the award an even greater privilege.
The 2021/22 Head Coach, Guy Molloy, joined the function via video link from New Zealand (where he currently resides for his new coaching role) to award the following two accolades.
Coaches Player of the Year recipient, Tess Madgen, was awarded for her coachability, professionalism, attitude, skill, character.
Boomers’ tall, Lou Brown, took out the Most Improved Player of the Year honours, in her first season with the club.
Members’ Player of the Year was awarded to club captain, Cayla George, for the third season running.
The Deakin University School of Exercise & Nutrition Sciences High Performance Player of the Year had a worthy winner in Rachel Brewster.
Assistant Coach, Paul Flynn, was this season’s Linda Perry Award recipient. Sponsored by Bulleen Templestowe Basketball Club, it is awarded to the person who best embodies the spirit of the Boomers, just as its namesake did.
Perry was a passionate leader of the club, who was dedicated to going above and beyond for anybody in the Boomers family and holds a special place in the hearts of those who had the opportunity to work with her.
Volunteer of the Year went to long-time volunteer, David Lawson. Lawson helped out with home games no matter the circumstances or location, and without fail gave his all.
There’s no doubt the WNBL 2021/22 continued to test everyone’s commitment and resilience, making our award recipients achievements even more special.
Congratulations to all and a special thank you to all who were involved and contributed to the night of celebrations.
We look forward to getting back out on court later this year!
Image credit: Mark Gregory Photography