State Basketball League star Casey “Milo” Mihovilovich added to her already overflowing trophy cabinet when she was named the City of Mandurah Sportsperson of the Year on Wednesday night.
The Mandurah Magic legend took out the night’s top gong on the back of a hugely successful 2017, in which she helped lead the Magic’s Women’s SBL side to a grand final appearance despite suffering a broken hand just weeks earlier.
Mihovilovich was flattered upon receiving the award, saying it was an honour to be recognised by the city she grew up in.
“I just love Mandurah and playing basketball in this city, so to be given this award means so much to me,” she said.
“Mandurah is such a big part of me, especially my club – I love everyone at the Magic can’t thank them enough for nominating me.”
The seven-time SBL all-star is no stranger to silverware, having won 15 of the Mandurah Magic’s MVP awards, a league MVP award and she was also named to the Women’s SBL team of the last 25 years.
She’s represented the Magic in all five of their grand final appearances, and most recently was named to the 2017 Women’s SBL defensive team of the year.
Her love for the game is mirrored in the respect she has earned in basketball circles, which is instantly recognisable when walking into the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre’s new “Casey Milo showcourts”, named in her honour earlier this year.
But despite the enormous list of accolades Mihovilovich has piled up across her star-studded career, she remains as humble as ever, crediting coach Randy Miegel and the Magic organisation for her success.
“Playing basketball is what I love, but playing it for the Magic and the teammates I have there is what makes it so special,” she said.
“I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else – I love our club.”
Outside of basketball, Mihovilovich is doing her bit to help develop athletes from all avenues of sport as a board member with the Peel Regional Academy of Sports.
“I just think it’s so important to help the next generation, no matter what sport they’re competing in,” she said.
“The academy helps out with things like training and travel so it’s an easy decision for me to pitch in there.”
For now, the 2017 Sportsperson of the Year will spend the next two months swimming and doing yoga as a rehab program for her broken hand.
She plans to join her Magic teammates back on the court at the end on January, where they will continue to work towards a second straight grand final appearance.