Annual Awards 2025 shortlist announced

Volleyball England is pleased to announce the list of shortlisted nominees for the Annual Awards 2025. 

A total of 182 nominations – the highest number since the Covid-19 Pandemic – were put forward by members of volleyball’s communities around the country, across 12 categories.  

Those nominations were submitted to a seven-strong independent judging panel, who have collectively selected the strongest nominees in each category.  

Each of those shortlisted have been invited to the Annual Awards presentation ceremony, which will take place on Saturday 26th April at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering as part of Cup Finals Weekend 2025.  

“We have been delighted to receive so many nominations for the awards this year, which really celebrates the diversity of the people who serve our sport with such distinction,” said Volleyball England’s Mahek Narnolia, who is leading on the organisation of the awards. 

“All our nominees have made an outstanding contribution, and it is a great honour to be recognised by your peers for the importance and influence of your work. 

“The judging panel has been overwhelmed by the quality of the nominations this year and have taken great pleasure in reading about the excellence and dedication of the members in their respective communities.” 

The Annual Awards presentation will take place between 4.15pm and 5.15pm and will be livestreamed on the Volleyball England YouTube Channel for anyone who is unable to attend. 

Those shortlisted are politely reminded to RSVP to the email sent to them as soon as possible to confirm attendance and whether they will require an extra place for a plus one. 

 

Annual Awards 2025 Shortlist (listed in alphabetical order) 

Universal Services Coach of the Year-Adults 

Rauf Saatcioglu 

Leo Song 

Luke Wiltshire 

 

Coach of the Year - Children and Young People 

Elaine Brown and Pete Makowski 

Tracy Newton 

Caitlin Walsh  

 

Young Coach of the Year 

Holly Bentley 

Anastasiia Konovalova  

Sam Sorsky 

 

Referee of the Year 

Domitilla Di Stefano 

Hiroko Turner 

Hua Xi Liu 

 

Young Referee of the Year 

Amy Dimmock 

Evelyn Lee 

 

Volunteer of the Year 

Daniel Harrison (pictured top) 

Marcin Pawlowski 

Amy Scrivener 

 

Young Volunteer of the Year 

Irtiza Ahmad 

Evelyn Lee 

Benjamin Merry 

 

Serena Morten Inclusion Award 

Elaine Brown 

Steph Fu 

Nelson Murangwa 

 

Deep Dish HEVO of the Year 

Ellie Mills 

Robin Ogle-Skan  

Joelson Santy 

 

Huck Nets Club of the Year 

Brazukas Universe Sport Club (pictured above) 

Leeds Gorse Volleyball Club 

Newcastle Staffs Volleyball Club 

 

Contribution to Volleyball 

Nathan French 

Ian Legrand 

Navaz Sutton 

 

Unsung Hero 

Nicholas Hitt 

Marcin Pawlowski 

Nelson Murangwa