Local athletes Kade McCourt and Monique Shephard have been recognised as the joint winners of the Junior Sports Assistance Fund Commercial Club Exceptional Junior Program, each receiving a $1,500 cash prize.
The Exceptional Junior Award is presented annually to an athlete or athletes who demonstrate extraordinary commitment and skill in their respective sports. Both Kade and Monique are members of the Lower South East Hockey Association.
Kade has demonstrated outstanding performance throughout 2025, highlighted by selection in the U14 South Australian State Hockey team, appointment as Vice-Captain, Player of the Match honours at the National Tournament, and finishing as South Australia's highest goal scorer.
At Tigers Hockey Club, Kade was part of the Division 2 Premiership team, earning Player of the Grand Final, U16 Boys Runner-Up Best and Fairest, selected in the Lower South East Hockey Association U16 Team of the Year, and made his Division 1 debut. His representative honours include playing for the South Eastern Eagles, earning Player of the Match at the Zone Regional Championships, and membership in the Limestone Coast Sports Academy.
Kade has also achieved multiple state selections from U13 to U16 level (2023-2026), earned Player of the Match honours at state level in 2024 and 2025, represented School Sport SA (U13), received club Best and Fairest and MVP awards, and represented the South Eastern Eagles across multiple age groups. Beyond performance, Kade is a highly committed volunteer with Tigers Hockey Club and the Lower South East Hockey Association, regularly serving as a Technical Bench Operator for multiple matches each weekend, including Division 1 fixtures. He also supports canteen operations, working bees, and junior development, assisting with the U13 program and mentoring younger players.
Monique is also a talented junior athlete who has consistently progressed through state-level representation, earning selection in the South Australian state teams from U13 to U16 (2023-2026) and the SA School Sport State U15 Girls Team (2025). She is a committed member of the Limestone Coast Hockey Academy and actively supports junior development within the Lower South East Hockey Association.
In 2025, Monique assisted in delivering the Hookin2Hockey program across Terms 1 and 4, coaching U8s, supporting U10s, and delivering introductory hockey sessions at local schools, including Glenburnie Primary School.
Monique also volunteers extensively with the Riddoch Strikers Hockey Club, regularly assisting in the canteen and supporting management with ordering, stocking, and daily operations.
The Exceptional Junior Award Program is made possible through an annual donation of $3,000 from the Mount Gambier Commercial Club, which has contributed a total of $52,000 to the fund over the past 24 years.
Presiding Member of the Junior Sports Assistance Fund Cr Josh Lynagh expressed sincere gratitude to the Commercial Club for its ongoing support, highlighting the positive impact on local athletes' sporting potential.
"The Mount Gambier Commercial Club and the Junior Sports Assistance Fund are dedicated to assisting young athletes in excelling in their sports. We wish Kade and Monique continued success in their future endeavours," Cr Lynagh said.
