At the last home game for the season, the Nhill & District Sporting Club hosted the 2025 Amy Pilgrim Memorial Round.
Held in front of a strong home crowd, the event honoured Amy’s lasting legacy in the club and community. Known for her dedication on and off the court, Amy was admired for her willingness to help, her kindness, and her commitment to making sport welcoming for everyone.
The Memorial Round saw individual awards presented to a player in each netball grade who exhibited sportsmanship and teamwork, two traits that Amy Pilgrim embodied during her junior and senior netball career. These award winners are listed in the sports report.
The centrepiece of the day was the presentation of the Amy Pilgrim Perpetual Trophy, which was introduced this year and will be awarded annually to a club member who best demonstrates Amy’s qualities. This year, the honour went to Tess McQueen, who was recognised for her selfless contribution to the club, both as a player and in her support of others. Tess’s leadership, encouragement of younger players, and willingness to assist in any way needed have made her a role model within the NDSC community.
NDSC Netball Director Jess Dahlenburg said, “When Kate and I first spoke about the inception of this award, it gave me goosebumps. It is a privilege for the netball division to be able to honour Amy’s life and this award is one of the many ways her legacy can continue. We remember her through her passion for netball, the smile that beamed on her face each game, and her gutsy determination to play her best every time she hit the court”.
In her presentation on Saturday night, Jess also highlighted the extensive list of nominees, highlighting the calibre of volunteers in the netball department. “We are so proud to have such a large number of players who embody the criteria of the award and who are all incredibly deserving”, Jess added.
The award, presented by the Pilgrim family, carries deep significance. In their words, the trophy is not about the number of goals kicked or games won, but about being the kind of person who lifts their teammates, leads with kindness, and gives back without expectation. Tess’s selection reflects the respect and admiration she has earned from her peers and the broader club.
Tess McQueen was very touched by the award and said, “I feel very honoured to receive such a meaningful award from the Pilgrim family. I admire the work the family do to continue to spread the message about road safety, a message that is also very close to my heart”.
The memorial round has become an important fixture in the NDSC calendar, reminding players, supporters, and volunteers of the positive impact one person can have. It was also a moment for the community to come together, share stories, and keep Amy’s spirit alive through sport.
On Thursday evening Kate Pilgrim and daughter Jess Dickinson presented an important talk around road safety. Jess also reminded us that no one is safe; and that road fatalities do not discriminate.
Jess Dickinson said, “We share our stories to get the road safety message instilled in each and everyone of you. Please don’t think it can’t happen to you or your family. It can and it does.”
As the sun set on the day’s games, there was no doubt that Amy’s legacy continues to inspire — and that Tess McQueen’s name now sits on this meaningful trophy; the first of many in Amy’s honour.
This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 20 August 2025.
