16 October 2025 | Tennis Tasmania

Tasmanian Tennis Award – Junior Athlete of the Year (Girl)
The Junior Athlete of the Year award celebrates Tasmania’s most outstanding young tennis players who have displayed exceptional performance, dedication, and sportsmanship across state, national and international events throughout the past year.

This year’s girl finalists – Alicia Dale, Ellie Richardson, Escher Case-Boag, and Paige Jacobson have each demonstrated remarkable commitment to their development and to representing Tasmania with pride on and off the court.

Alicia Dale
Alicia’s 2024–25 season marked a breakout year, highlighted by her debut at the HCi Burnie International W35, where she claimed a stunning first-round victory over the top seed and top-200 WTA player Kyoka Okamura. She went on to win the Launceston Junior ITF singles title and earned numerous standout results including Hobart Open and Burnie Open singles wins, and semi-final finishes at the National 18U Showdown.
As Pizzey Cup Captain, Alicia led by example, mentoring younger teammates and fostering a strong team culture. She also claimed back-to-back Australia Cup titles, a prestigious achievement that highlights her consistency and elite performance at the national level. Off court, Alicia contributes to the next generation through Super 10s coaching and volunteering as a hitting partner at the Hobart International.

Escher Case-Boag
Escher has quickly made her mark, showcasing her talent through standout performances at national and international events. Undefeated at the Pizzey Cup, she was the youngest female selected in the All-Australian Team. Her season included seven consecutive wins at the National Rafa Nadal Championships, ITF quarter-final appearances in Singapore, and multiple Open 3K titles across Tasmania.
A member of both the Tasmanian Institute of Sport and the Tennis Australia National Development Program, Escher is recognised for her resilience through injury, continuing to represent Tasmanian tennis with dedication and pride.

Ellie Richardson
Ellie has delivered strong results across state and national junior events, including winning the Geilston Bay Open junior singles and helping St Mary’s claim the SATIS title. She represented Tasmania at the Pizzey Cup and U15 Australian Team Championships and received the Values Award at the Rafa Nadal Tour (TAS). Ellie also plays adult pennant and assists with coaching, reflecting her commitment and passion for the sport. Her work ethic and steady improvement mark her as a rising talent in Tasmanian tennis.

Paige Jacobson
Paige’s year was defined by perseverance and growth, competing in her first junior ITF events on home soil in Burnie and Launceston and representing Tasmania at both the Pizzey Cup and Australian Teams Championships. She captured multiple doubles titles across the state and was awarded Tasmania’s Team Spirit Award at the Pizzey Cup for her positive attitude and encouragement of others.
Paige’s dedication extends beyond competition, completing her Trainee Coaching Course and Tennis Australia Learn 2 Lead Program, where she has taken on coaching responsibilities at Burnie Tennis Club and hosted a women’s doubles event to promote inclusion and participation.

Each of these athletes continues to inspire through their achievements, leadership and passion for the game.

Congratulations to Alicia Dale and Escher Case-Boag, recipients of the 2025 Tasmanian Tennis Award for Junior Athlete of the Year (Girl).

Alicia Dale

Escher Case-Boag