The 2025 South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) Award winners have been announced, honouring the state’s best athletes, coaches and high-performance staff.

The awards presented recognise South Australians who have excelled in their sporting field over the past 12 months, acknowledging their outstanding achievements and contributions.

Major award winners include:

• SASI Female Athlete of the Year – Brittany Castelluzzo (Swimming)
• SASI Male Athlete of the Year – Leigh Hoffman (Cycling)
• SASI Female Para Athlete of the Year – Anu Francis (Para Triathlon)
• SASI Male Para Athlete of the Year – Rowan Crothers (Para Swimming)
• SASI Junior Female Athlete of the Year – Sophie Casey, Kayla Graham, Tabitha Packer and Lucy Voyvodic (Netball)
• SASI Junior Male Athlete of the Year – Sam Stunell (Rowing)
• SASI Coach of the Year – Brett Aitken (Cycling)
• SASI Heart Award – Jed Altschwager (SASI Para Unit)
• Amy Gillett-Safe Memorial Award – Katelin Gunn (Wheelchair Basketball)

All Athlete of the Year recipients claimed world championship medals in 2025, reinforcing the impact South Australian athletes are having on the global stage.

In the pool, Rowan Crothers delivered a dominant campaign at the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore, winning three gold medals - including a world record in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay. Brittany Castelluzzo also struck gold in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay at the World Aquatics Championships with a pivotal third-leg swim.

Whyalla’s own Leigh Hoffman enjoyed a breakout year at the UCI Track World Championships in Santiago, winning his first individual Worlds medal in the keirin before adding bronze in both the sprint and team sprint.

Para triathlete Anu Francis had a perfect season, winning every race she contested and she capped it off by securing her maiden world triathlon title in Wollongong.

The gold rush continued in the junior categories with Sophie Casey, Kayla Graham, Tabitha Packer and Lucy Voyvodic playing their part in Australia’s win at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, while rising rower Sam Stunell powered to gold in the inaugural PR3 men’s single sculls final at the World Rowing U23 Championships.

SASI Cycling Head Coach Brett Aitken was named Coach of the Year for championing cycling in South Australia - from Talent Search and the state development program to supporting Para athletes and guiding endurance athletes.

Highlighting the team’s dedication to excellence on and off the field, other accomplishments within the SASI community have also been recognised.

The Amy Gillett-Safe Award is awarded annually as a memorial to one of SASI’s and Australia’s finest athletes and this year the award was presented to wheelchair basketballer Katelin Gunn, recognising her commitment to community programs and for proudly serving as a SAPOL road safety advocate.

The SASI Heart Award went to Para-Sport Talent Identification and Development Lead Jed Altschwager,for his exceptional commitment to the newly established SASI Para Unit and his work connecting athletes with disability to high-performance and Paralympic pathways.

SASI Director Keren Faulkner said the achievements recognised this year highlight the strength of SASI’s athlete pathways, facilities and support staff.

“The investment we have put into our athletes is truly paying dividends. Access to the $88 million SASI facility at Mile End and the $15 million Australian Centre for Sports Aerodynamics has helped our athletes deliver world-class performances,” Faulkner said.

“This success is equally driven by the dedication of our athletes and the expertise of our high-performance staff and coaches, who work tirelessly to help athletes achieve their best.

“I’m so proud of our award winners who not only excel in sporting endeavours but also in life, and demonstrate SASI’s values of drive, team, excellence and pride.”