Deanna started her journey with Queensland Little Athletics 37 years ago, when her youngest son joined with Ashmore Little Athletics. At this Centre, Deanna held roles on the committee including Program Officer, Treasurer, Officials Officer, Secretary, Coaching and Assistant Centre Manager. Deanna was awarded Life Membership of Ashmore Centre in 1994.

Deanna was involved in LAQ’s Coaching Program for many years and regularly attended our Coaching Camps as a Manager and Coach. She was also appointed as a State Team Selector in 1997, 1998 and 2005 and went away with the State Team as a Manager in 2006.

She conducted Centre Development Seminars throughout the State and helped with the National Officials Scheme.

In the early 1990’s, Deanna was the Officials Manager for LAQ for four years before taking up a position on the QLAA (now LAQ) Board of Management as the Development Director, a position she held for nine years. This role saw her start up many new Centres around the State – Helensvale and Mudgeeraba are just two of many.

Deanna’s interest and passion in Athletics stretched beyond that of her Centre and QLAA. She was also involved at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games in Medical Administration.

In 2005, Deanna was asked by LAQ to assist in rebuilding Springwood Little Athletics Centre. Deanna implemented a 3-year Development Plan to get the Centre back up and running and she remains with the Centre to this day. She was their Centre Manager, then Secretary and now concentrates on Fundraising/Canteen on the general committee. Deanna was awarded Life Membership of Springwood in 2012.

Aside from her interest in coaching, Deanna has been a volunteer official over many years at Centre, Zone / Regional and State level. At Regional level, she has held positions of Chief Recorder, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Judge for Throws. As an Official, Deanna’s preferred area is the Throws. Deanna has also served as a Throws Official at national level, at the Australian Little Athletics Championships.

Deanna has attended LAQ’s yearly Conferences for over 20 years, where she particularly loves the fancy dress themes of the Saturday night awards dinner. Her most memorable costume was as Christ the Redeemer for the “Road to Rio” theme in 2016.

For her passion, dedication and contribution to Little Athletics, Deanna was honoured with a Merit Award in 1994 and LAQ Life Membership in 2006.

Deanna still continues to be involved with Little Athletics at Springwood and regularly officiates at Regional and State competitions. Her unwavering passion for our sport has never waned. She has a natural ability of getting people to come together and help to achieve success in our sport.