ELIZA Ammendolia has won the top sports honour at the annual Griffith City Council Australia Day Awards at Woodside Hall.
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Ammendolia claimed the Junior Sportsperson and Overall Sportsperson of the Year gongs on the back of her sensational feats in the football arena.
The award caps off an amazing year for the former West Griffith junior.
Her accolades for the year included being named under 15 player of the tournament at the national youth championships for girls at Coffs Harbour, which catapulted her into the Australia under 17 women's team.
Upon receiving the Junior Sportsperson award, Ammendolia took the time to thank the people who had helped get her to where she is today.
“I’d like to thank my family and all of Griffith. I’m proud to be here today,” Ammendolia said.
A humble Ammendolia never thought she would take out the awards and held back tears describing what the recognition meant to her and women’s football.
“I never expected this. As a female player you don't really get noticed and to be noticed is a big thing for me,” Ammendolia said.
“The women's open Australian team is going to the World Cup in three months or so, and it's good to get some recognition about that.
“To be a part of that team that's the peak in soccer, it's definitely the goal you want to work towards. Of course I'm trying to get there.”
The 15-year-old is now based in Sydney, where she attends Hills Sports High and plays for the Macarthur Rams Football Club.
She credits the move to Sydney as one of the major factors in her ascent in the football ranks.
“I go to a sports high school in Sydney, and so I go there and train and do school at the same time,” Ammendolia said.
“I never would have been noticed for the Australian team if I hadn't moved. It's gone really well.”
Having already been stunned by receiving the Junior Sportsperson award, Ammendolia was lost for words after receiving the top prize at the ceremony.
“This is surreal,” Ammendolia said.
“I didn’t think I’d get it. It’s unbelievable.”
Ammendolia beat out 12 other contenders to claim the Junior Sportsperson award and 21 that were eligible for Overall Sportsperson of the Year.
