Hawks Nominated in the 2022 Illawarra Sports Awards

The Illawarra Sports Awards return on November 10th, and the Hawks are proud to have two team members nominated for awards. 

Co-Captain Sam Froling, the team's graphic designer, and Commonwealth gold medallist Luke Pople are among 16 nominees for the Illawarra Mercury People's Choice and Athlete of the Year Awards.  

After making his NBL debut with the Hawks in the 2019/20 season, Froling has dominated on the court and won the NBL Most Improved Player award last season. 

Sam's nomination in this year's awards recognises his work on and off the floor and his connection to the local community.

"There are some amazing athletes that call the region home, including Luke, and I am honoured to be amongst this year's nominees. Our club loves to represent the fans and members of the Illawarra, and I look forward to doing so for many years to come."

Froling has gone on to represent Australia, donning the green and gold with the Boomers in 2019 and 2021, most recently being named in the squad for their upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifying game in Kazakhstan. 

For Pople, this year's nomination comes from a successful commonwealth games campaign, which saw him a part of the gold medal-winning 3x3 wheelchair basketball team in Birmingham.

"It's awesome to be a part of the small percentage of athletes from the Illawarra to play for Australia. I'm very proud to be able to represent this region."

Pople hopes his achievements can inspire the next generation of youth to aim high and chase their dreams. 

"Disability or able-bodied, if sport is something that you love and want to get involved with it… do it because you never know where it could take you." 

"I found basketball when I was 13. I was shopping with my mum and brother at Shellharbour Square when an old bloke in a wheelchair came up to me and asked if I wanted to give basketball a try, and from that moment, it's taken me further than I could've imagined."

Voting for the awards closes Sunday, October 30^th, so get behind your Hawks and vote now!