Minjee Lee has finally secured the WA Sport Star award after a decade of nominations, marking a significant milestone in her career. The 29-year-old golfer, who hails from the Royal Fremantle Golf Club, received the accolade during the SportWest WA Sport Awards held at Crown Perth on March 14, 2024. Lee’s long-awaited victory comes after being nominated for the prestigious award for the first time in 2014.
In a competitive field, Lee triumphed over a shortlist that included notable athletes such as West Coast Fever goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall. “It feels pretty amazing,” Lee expressed via video from Singapore, where she is participating in the HSBC Women’s World Championship. “I’ve been really close to winning this award so many times, so it’s really special.”
Celebrating Female Athletes
Lee’s win adds to the growing recognition of female athletes in Western Australia, as she becomes the seventh woman to win the award in the past decade. Previous winners include Olympic gold medallist Nina Kennedy, who won last year, as well as Sam Kerr, who claimed the award in 2023, 2018, and 2017. Other notable female winners include Madison de Rozario in 2021 and Hannah Green in 2019.
Reflecting on the success of women in sports, Lee stated, “I don’t know, maybe we’re just tough. Everybody’s got such a great work ethic and we know what it takes to be the best. Women’s sport in general is being embraced and we feel more empowered to be the best we can be.” Her sentiments highlight a broader movement towards equality in sports.
Achievements and Recognition
Lee’s recent accomplishments further cement her status in the golfing world. Last year, she claimed her third major championship at the Women’s PGA Championships in Frisco, Texas, adding to her titles from the 2021 Evian Championship and the 2022 US Open. Working with her coach, Ritchie Smith, Lee overcame significant challenges, including a case of the putting yips, to achieve a world ranking of No. 3 in 2025.
In addition to the WA Sport Star award, Lee received the Greg Norman Medal as the best Australian professional golfer and was honored with the Herb Elliott Medal at the WA Hall of Champions awards. Her journey began with the WA Junior Sports Star award in 2012 and 2014, highlighting her long-standing commitment to excellence in sports.
Other finalists at the awards included sailor Zac Littlewood, Tash Faithfull in thoroughbred racing, Kyle Lee in open water swimming, and various athletes across sports such as rugby, boxing, cricket, football, and tennis. Skateboarder Mia Kretzer was named the Junior Sports Star for becoming the youngest-ever X Games gold medallist at just nine years and eight months.
The Perth Thundersticks women’s hockey team won the title of Team of the Year after securing back-to-back Hockey One championships. Lee’s coach, Smith, was recognized as the RSM Australia Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year and third overall. The evening also saw awards for various contributors to sports in Western Australia, such as the ActiveXchange Official of the Year, Hyundai Initiative of the Year, and CITS Sport Administrator of the Year.
“To have every part of sport in Western Australia represented for these awards, with 470 guests from current-day Olympians, past winners, and community members, makes this a truly special occasion on the WA sporting calendar,” said SportWest CEO Troy Kirkham. “We had 265 nominations this year and all of them, along with our finalists and winners, should be celebrated for their achievements and contributions.”
Lee’s journey and recent triumph showcase the increasing recognition of female athletes and the evolving landscape of sports in Australia. Her success story will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes.
