Celebrating the Pioneers: A Night of Excellence and Farewell

Posted on August 13 2025

Celebrating the Pioneers: A Night of Excellence and Farewell

At EV2 Sportswear, we’re proud to stand alongside the Pioneers, a team that embodies grit, unity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. This year’s NBL1 Team Awards Night was more than a celebration of individual and collective success; it was also a heartfelt farewell to a coaching legend who has shaped the Pioneers for over a decade.

 

Honouring the Best on Court

The spotlight shone brightly on the players who gave everything to the game this season:

Kurt Russell Finals Player of the Year – Titus Robinson

  • A powerhouse in the paint and a leader in big moments, Titus’s finals performance was nothing short of inspiring. This prestigious award is named in honour of Kurt Russell, not the Hollywood star, but our very own EV2 Sportswear team member. Based in Mount Gambier, Kurt is both an integral part of our company and a talented basketballer who continues to inspire with his passion and skill in the game.

 

Leadership Award – Kane De Wit

  • Kane’s ability to unite, inspire, and lead by example has been a cornerstone of the Pioneers’ culture.

 

Golden Hands Award – Alex Mudronja

  • Precision passing, smart decision-making, and unmatched composure — Alex truly has the golden touch.

 

Defensive Player of the Year – Austin Shelley & Titus Robinson

  • Defence wins championships, and this dynamic duo proved it night after night, shutting down opposition threats.

 

Runner-up MVP Joe Palmer

  • Consistency, hustle, and skill earned Joe a well-deserved spot as runner-up MVP.

 

Farewell to Coach Richard Hill

After 319 games and 13 remarkable seasons, Coach Richard Hill is stepping down as Pioneers head coach. His tenure has been defined by vision, resilience, and unmatched success, including four Coach of the Year awards.

Richard’s leadership has left an indelible mark on the club, guiding countless athletes and helping build the strong, respected organisation we’re proud to support today. While the Pioneers family will miss his court side presence, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Richard Hill in an EV2 Sportswear Traditional Hoodie

 

EV2 and the Pioneers: United in Passion

As the Pioneers look ahead to a new chapter, EV2 Sportswear remains committed to providing the team with elite, high-performance apparel that matches their drive and determination. We’re honoured to be part of a journey that values excellence, both on and off the court.

Here’s to the award winners, the departing legend, and the entire Pioneers family. The best is yet to come.

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