The 15 year-old will receive the award at the ERC Australia Day ceremony on Saturday, January 26.
When she found out about her achievement, Ella was thrilled.
‘‘It was a big surprise as I didn’t know I was even nominated,’’ she said.
‘‘I’m very pleased with how I went with my sport last year... it’s been a pretty good year.’’
It was a big 2018 for Ella, who was recognised for her impressive successes in both netball and basketball.
Her achievements included premiership appearances for both the Deniliquin Rams Under 15s and Deniliquin Netball Association Open Grade.
She also took individual honours, finishing as best and fairest in the Murray Netball League count as well as taking out club top honours with the Deni Rams, DNA and Deniliquin Junior Giants.
In addition to her local achievements, Ella gained selection in Netball Victoria’s 2018 Zone Academy, offered to around 175 of Netball Victoria’s most talented players in the Under 16 age group.
She also competed at the Netball Victoria State Titles as part of the North Central Netball Region Under 15s team.
Her talent also came through at the Rams, making her A grade debut at the club and having a notable performance in Deni’s grand final game against premiers Moama.
Ella is also a C-badged netball umpire and has spent extra time over the past year developing young sportspeople, including coaching an Under 10s team and assisting with the DNA’s NetSetGo program.
Away from the courts she also competed at the NSW All Schools Cross Country, showing that she’s an athletic all-rounder.
Her dedication to her sport is reflected by all her success, with Ella participating in some form of sport most days of the week.
‘‘I generally train and play sport six days a week,’’ she said.
‘‘I just love my sport so I enjoy every aspect of it.
‘‘I’d like to thank my mum Linda and my dad Mick for taking me everywhere and giving me the opportunity to participate in all the sports I do.
‘‘I’d also like to thank Melissa Wescott for nominating me for the award. She coached me previously in the DNA rep teams so she’s helped me a lot on my journey.
‘‘Without my coaches like Tess Parsons, Jodie Sefton, Simone Conn, Sarah Young, dad and the Northern Zone coaches, as well as my PE teachers at school, I wouldn’t be where I am with my sport today.’’