Nicholas Unwin, a 19-year-old from Warrnambool, Victoria, has been making waves in the community with his dedication to basketball coaching and refereeing. He recently received the Emerging Leader award at the 2025 South West Community Sports Awards, highlighting his tireless efforts to give back to the community.
From Early Years to Emerging Leadership
Nicholas was born on July 6, 2006, in Warrnambool to Michelle and Brent. He grew up with siblings Hannah and Charlye, and his parents encouraged his involvement in sports from an early age. Nicholas began following basketball at the age of five and started playing in Warrnambool with the Aussie Hoops at seven. He went on to play in domestic and squad basketball, and his love for the sport only grew stronger over time.
- Local basketball legend Bobby Cunningham has been a significant mentor to Nicholas, teaching him not only about basketball but also as a person.
- Harrison Annett, a former teammate, has also played a crucial role in shaping Nicholas’s basketball career, and they remain great mates to this day.
A Balanced Approach to Coaching and Refereeing
Nicholas has been balancing his studies at Deakin University Warrnambool, where he is pursuing a degree in primary education, with his sporting interests. He is currently studying maths and sport, and his part-time job as a trainee at St Joseph’s Primary School in Warrnambool helps him gain valuable experience with children. Nicholas is also heavily involved in coaching and refereeing, having coached Koroit’s under-16 boys’ side and refereed games at the old Warrnambool Fire Station.
| Year | Basketball Coaching | Refereeing | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Coached Koroit’s under-16 boys’ side | Refereed games at the old Warrnambool Fire Station | Studied at Deakin University Warrnambool |
| 2023 | Coached Koroit’s under-12 representative side | Refereed games at the old Warrnambool Fire Station | Studied at Deakin University Warrnambool |
| 2024 | Coached Koroit’s under-16 boys’ side | Refereed games at the old Warrnambool Fire Station | Studied at Deakin University Warrnambool |
A Clear Path to Leadership
Nicholas’s commitment to his studies and sporting pursuits has led him to pursue a career as a primary school teacher or elite basketball coach. He has set his sights on becoming a leader in the community, and his determination is evident in his actions. With the support of his teachers at St Joseph’s Primary School, Nicholas is well on his way to achieving his goals.
From Twin to Coach
Nicholas and his sister Hannah are twins, born 13 minutes apart. Growing up, they were close, but their teachers encouraged them to have their own independence, allowing them to grow separately. Nicholas has spoken about his twin sister’s achievements in Warrnambool’s Lochard Calisthenics, and it’s clear that he values their unique bond.
Footy and Cricket
Nicholas has played football and cricket, with his footy career beginning at Emmanuel Hawks’ under-12 side. He worked his way through the ranks, playing in premiership sides with Warrnambool in the under-18 competition. He has also played cricket, winning the most improved player award in the under-17s.
Leadership Lessons from Bobby Cunningham
Local basketball legend Bobby Cunningham has been a significant mentor to Nicholas, teaching him not only about basketball but also as a person. Bobby has helped Nicholas develop the skills and confidence to become a leader in his own right.
Awards and Recognition
Nicholas’s hard work and dedication have been recognized with the Emerging Leader award at the 2025 South West Community Sports Awards. This award is a testament to his commitment to giving back to the community and his tireless efforts to make a positive impact.
Nicholas Unwin’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a commitment to giving back to the community. As he continues on his journey to leadership, we have no doubt that he will make a lasting impact in Warrnambool and beyond.
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