Senior Sportswoman of the Year Nominees Announced for 2025 National Sports Awards
The National Sports Awards has unveiled the nominees for the 2025 Senior Sportswoman of the Year, highlighting a diverse group of athletes and sports leaders whose performances and leadership elevated Antigua and Barbuda on the regional and international stage.
The category recognizes outstanding female athletes and administrators for excellence, resilience and impact across multiple disciplines.
Among the nominees is sprinter Joella Lloyd, who delivered a historic season in athletics. She broke national records in the 60 meters and 100 meters, advanced to the semifinals at the World Indoor Championships and secured a professional contract.
Cricketer Shawnisha Hector earned a senior retainer contract with Cricket West Indies and produced strong performances in the T20 Blaze Tournament, marking significant progress at the international level.
Seventeen-year-old footballer Gabrielle DeSuza emerged as a leading goal scorer for both the Senior Women’s and Under-20 National Teams, earning MVP honors and standing out in international competition.
Fencer Jewel Crump successfully defended her title as Senior Female National Champion while representing the country at regional and international events.
Golfer Kimberlyn Weatherill captured the Antigua and Barbuda Open Ladies Net title, secured top honors at the St. Kitts Open and finished first at the Eastern Caribbean Golf Championship.
In netball, Everdine Parker-Barnarde led her club to top finishes in the Village League and represented the nation at the ECCB International Netball Series.
Sailor Emily Gaillard balanced university studies with elite competition, earning podium finishes on U.S. circuits and representing Antigua and Barbuda internationally.
Bodybuilder Ambassador Melissa Seaforth claimed the IFBB Bikini Fitness Pro Masters World Championship title in Malta and recorded multiple podium finishes across Europe.
Swimmer Aunjelique Liddie made history at CARIFTA, becoming the first Antiguan female to break the 59-second barrier in the 100-meter freestyle and 27 seconds in the 50-meter freestyle, adding multiple medals and national records.
Volleyballer Jassania Joseph won the ABAVA Local League title and helped guide Antigua and Barbuda to a silver medal finish at the ECVA Under-21 Tournament.
Cricket captain Sacha Michael led Wayne Electrical Survivors Cricket Club to two championship titles, compiling 223 runs, taking seven wickets and earning MVP honors.
In sports administration, Jnai was recognized for her role within the Antigua Barbuda Basketball Association, overseeing more than 400 games and coordinating the association’s flagship awards ceremony.
Organizers said the awards will celebrate the achievements of these women, who continue to inspire and strengthen national pride through sport.