28 October 2025 | Tennis Tasmania

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 boy finalists – Balin Russell, Charlie Marsden, Doug Sheppard, George Anderson, Henry Downham, and Zaviour Targett, have each demonstrated remarkable commitment to their development and to representing Tasmania with pride both on and off the court.

Balin Russell
Balin’s 2024–25 season showcased his maturity and strong competitive drive. Competing across state and national events, he delivered consistent results and continued to evolve his game. His leadership and focus have made him a respected figure among his peers and a role model for younger players in the Tasmanian tennis community.

Charlie Marsden
One of the youngest finalists, Charlie has impressed with his determination, work ethic, and willingness to take on tough competition. He represented Tasmania with enthusiasm and continued to rise through the junior ranks, earning recognition for both his on-court achievements and sportsmanship.

Doug Sheppard
Doug’s season was marked by resilience and growth, delivering strong performances at major state and national tournaments. His commitment to improvement and positive team presence have been standout qualities throughout the year. Doug’s hard work continues to drive his progress as a promising Tasmanian athlete.

George Anderson
A seasoned junior competitor, George has continued to excel with consistent performances and a strong tactical understanding of the game. His leadership and experience have been valuable to his teammates, particularly during representative events where he modelled professionalism and composure.

Henry Downham
Henry’s energy and passion for tennis have translated into a year of impressive results and skill development. Representing Tasmania across multiple age divisions, he displayed excellent attitude and sportsmanship, earning the respect of coaches and fellow players alike.

Zaviour Targett
Zaviour’s 2024–25 season highlighted his athleticism and competitiveness, achieving success in both singles and doubles. His disciplined approach to training and willingness to challenge himself have positioned him as a standout performer and emerging leader in Tasmanian tennis.

Congratulations to Charlie Marsden – the 2025 Tasmanian Tennis Awards Junior Athlete of the Year (Boy)!
Charlie’s commitment, sportsmanship, and outstanding performances throughout the season make him a deserving winner and an inspiration to young players across the state.