Volunteer Riley Stapleton Takes Out NBL24 Heartland Award

The Phoenix have today announced Riley Stapleton as their NBL24 Heartland Award recipient.

Stapleton was chosen out of a cohort of more than 80 volunteers for showing exemplary passion, professionalism, and enthusiasm.

MORE: Phoenix Official Supporter of the Sport Volunteer Coalition Action Plan

The 20-year-old was understandably ecstatic when he was notified of the achievement, paying homage to the Heartland Crew program.

“Being recognised as Volunteer of the Year means the absolute world to me,” Stapleton told Phoenix Media.

“It's testament to the time and effort I've dedicated to this amazing program and the incredible team I've been a part of.”

Stapleton was a constant at all 14 Phoenix home games throughout the season and will soon surpass 50 games in NBL25.

To put that into context, only seven players in Phoenix history have featured in 50 games or more.

It’s rare that across even that magnitude of games that Stapleton’s role has been the same, learning skills in assisting in the corporate function, helping with the game day entertainment and even spending time on court as a floor wiper during some of the Phoenix’s biggest games.

Stapleton has also learnt on the job skills with the events team and membership team across his four seasons with South East Melbourne.

"Volunteering with the Phoenix allows individuals to develop new skills, build relationships, and be part of a team that is passionate about basketball and making a positive impact in the community.”

Past winners of the Heartland Award:

19/20 - Tim McKenna

20/21 - Olivea Sutton

21/22- Christine Sayers

22/23 - Ai-Dan Huynh/Kalani O'Connor

CLICK HERE to register your interest to be part of the NBL25's Heartland Crew.