Inaugural WNBL Fan MVP Is Announced
Written by Corey Kennedy
7-year-old Quinn Closter was already a WNBL fan.
Now, after spending a night with Jade Melbourne, Anneli Maley, Monique Conti and lots of other WNBL athletes at the WNBL Awards night, not only does she have a cool story to tell at school, she’s inspired to be a lifelong fan.
At the Cygnett WNBL awards on Sunday night UC Capitals Jade Melbourne was announced as the inaugural WNBL Fan MVP.
In a new initiative, the WNBL introduced a chance for fans to vote for their MVP for the 2023/24 season.
With entries from all around the country, this award showcased the positive and significant effects our athletes have on fans’ lives and shows that the league is full of role models for people of all ages.
The winning voter, Verity Closter, was invited to the night to present Jade her award. Verity attended the Awards with her daughter, Quinn.
Here is Verity’s winning entry:
“Jade is a joy to watch. She is hard-working, has a positive attitude and is a genuine team player. She makes the people around her better. My daughter Quinn asked for her autograph after a match in Bendigo, and she was so kind and obliging. Jade is a credit to her family, her team and the league.”
Melbourne says that Verity, Quinn and the fans make this honour even more special.
“I’m really honoured to win the first Fan MVP award, the fans are the people who grow the game so to be recognised by them is super special.”
“What Verity said was really nice, I have been that kid before wanting an autograph, so I always do my best to give back to the fans.”
“We try and be role models to these kids and to be recognised for that means a lot.”
Verity said that night was truly special.
“The night was incredible, to meet Jade and present her award was an honour. Quinn had one of the best nights of her life. To meet Anneli Maley and Monique Conti too just topped off an amazing night.”
“All the players were so welcoming and were all so kind, funny and gracious with their time, Quinn hasn’t stopped talking about it since.”
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