Cassandra Millerick can add another accolade to an already bloated trophy cabinet.
The Moama marvel was named Bowls Australia’s (BA) Female Bowler of the Year in a virtual awards ceremony last Friday evening, capping off a stunning year on the greens for the 29-year-old.
Millerick will receive a trophy and $3000 for the award, admitting the accolade came as a shock.
“I was over the moon,” Millerick said.
“I never thought I’d get Female Bowler of the Year, it was never a dream or anything.
“It was pretty special, I thought it was great.
“I think my bowls has improved, but then I think my confidence has improved as well.
“Being at a club that makes you feel welcomed and supports you, that’s what makes me thrive I suppose.”
The award rounds out a career-best campaign in 2023, one that included her first Australian Open Women’s Singles title back in August.
That result saw Millerick complete a rapid rise to the top of the BA rankings, ending the year as the country’s number one female bowler with 301 ranking points, 63 points clear of second.
Claiming the Victorian Champion of Champions title, a maiden Bowls Premier League title and bronze at the Australian Champion of Champions event saw Millerick elevated to the Australian Jackaroos open squad.
A Marg Morris Trophy triumph and Ultimate Bowls Championship win rounded out the winnings, while in the individual stakes Millerick defended her back-to-back club championships crown at Moama Bowling Club.
Reflecting on her year, Millerick admits it’s all been a blur, but she’s excited to see what 2024 has in stock.
“It’s just all happened, I don’t really know how to explain it,” she said.
“The year’s gone too quick for me to realise what’s going on.
“At the moment I’m just relaxing. We’re off to New Zealand for the Trans-Tasman series in February.
“Then its BPL after that.”