Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Chris Simpson

Deeanna Thompson and Tayler Stevens claimed individual honours at Palm Beach SC Women’s presentation night for their roles in the team’s run to the Grand Final.

Teammates gave Golden Boot winner Thompson the nod as Players’ Player while co-captain Stevens scooped the Coach’s Award.

The pair were key pillars for Sharks as the Gold Coast outfit finished one point shy of Premiers The Gap FC Women and qualified for the inaugural PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Women’s Grand Final.

Thompson topped the scorer’s charts with 32 regular season goals and added another four in the Finals Series, including the opener in September’s decider.

Outgoing Sharks coach Gary French, who has since made the move to Souths United, said he was unsurprised by Thompson’s prolific campaign.

“Deeanna’s preparation was excellent,” French explained.

“She has always had that speed and the ability to finish but has struggled with injury. This year she was attending extra sessions.”

Stevens started all but one of Sharks’ 23 matches as a central-defender in one of the tightest defences in the competition.

The 20-year-old also took on extra responsibility as co-captain alongside Lauren Brown, and French noted Stevens’ adeptness in the role as a key factor in his conferral of the Coach’s Award.

“She’s been a really good leader on and off the pitch,” he said of the Bromley-born player."

“She is respected by all the players and her commitment was great all year. It was an easy choice,” French concluded.

Palm Beach SC Award Winners

Senior Women
Player's Player Award - Deeanna Thompson
Coach's Award - Tayler Stevens

Youth Women
Player's Player Award  - Jade Horcicka
Coach's Award - Jayde Lowe

Under 15 Girls
Player's Player Award - Phoebi Clissold
Coach's Award - Hannah Lane

Under 13 Girls
Player's Player Award - Holly Sessarago
Coach's Award - Charlotte Farmer