Team Solent Kestrels Division 1 Women’s side followed up their league title with an almost clean sweep of end of season awards, voted for by the coaching staff across the league. Team success usually means a number of key individuals receiving accolades and that has certainly been the case for our WNBL D1 champions.
Up first and perhaps the most impressive, is 19 year old Faye Endean, who took home Player of the Year (MVP), Young Player of the Year, Team of the Year honours and British Team of the Year honours. The 5’8 guard was the most impactful player in the league this year and contributed across the board for Coach Ben Stanley’s side this season, helping to guide her squad to a 19-3 record on the season. After a stellar showing in the WEABL with Itchen College, Endean was able to replicate that form across the WNBL D1 campaign also, as she averaged 19.0 ppg (4th), 7.1 apg (1st), 7.2 rpg, 3.6 spg (2nd) all whilst averaging 36.4% (2nd) from beyond the 3 point arc.
Krisztina Velkey-Cleeve also picked up Team of the Year honours after yet another standout season in WNBL Division 1 for TSK. Kestrels’ captain and most experienced player proved to be absolutely vital in the sides success this season. KVC, who boosts a wealth of experience professionally at the WBBL and WNBL level, also provided impact right across the board as she posted 13.5ppg, 8.8 rpg, 5.9 apg (2nd), 2.0 spg, whilst ranking 3rd in 3 point percentage at 34.2%.
Ben Stanley has been crowned Coach of the Year for the WNBL Division 1 2022/23 season, after leading his squad to their first regular season title since the 2016/17 season. Rejoining the programme during the summer of 2022, Stanley returned to Head Coach the Men’s programme across both BUCS and NBL, however quickly found himself on the sidelines and leading the Women’s programme to a blistering start. Having to split his time across both programmes, came with logistical issues to tackle and that would see his coaching staff of Jerry Merrill and Robbie Connell, take the reigns on different occasions through-out the season. That did not slow down the formidable form from the Ladies as they battled their way to a 19-3 record, to clinch the league title.
Kestrels were also recognised as the WNBL Best Game Day experience, which pays huge credit to all our volunteers involved with our match day experience. From the crew on the ground who ensure the court is ready through to the game day announcers and the live streaming crew at Sonar and right back to everyone behind the scenes, we are eternally grateful of your contributions and this award is for all of you.
We would like to extend our congratulations to our award winners on behalf of the whole #Kestrelsfamily, we are proud and privileged to have so many great individuals in our family.
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