Basketball NSW is proud to share the exciting news that two of our basketball community’s most dedicated contributors, Trish Nicholls and Lauretta Claus, have been recognised in the 2025 Australia Day Honours List. Both have been awarded Orders of Australia for their remarkable service to basketball and their exceptional contributions to the sport.
Trish Nicholls has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to basketball as a statistician. With an eye for detail and a passion for numbers, Trish’s tireless dedication has elevated the quality and accuracy of basketball statistics, enriching the game and providing invaluable insights for players, coaches, and fans alike.
Lauretta Claus has been awarded the prestigious Member of the Order of Australia division for her significant service to both international and national basketball as a statistician, as well as her distinguished career in public education. Lauretta’s influence in basketball extends far beyond the court, shaping the way the sport is understood and celebrated on a global stage while also inspiring through her leadership in education.
These honours recognise the outstanding contributions of Trish and Lauretta, whose years of commitment and expertise have advanced basketball statistics and left a lasting legacy in the basketball community. Their work has not only enhanced the sport in Australia but also made a significant impact internationally, paving the way for future generations.
Basketball NSW extends its heartfelt congratulations to Trish and Lauretta on this well-deserved recognition. Their passion, dedication, and achievements inspire us all.
Please join us in celebrating this incredible milestone for Trish and Lauretta!
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division
Mrs Patricia Maree Nicholls, Forster NSW 2428
For service to basketball as a statistician.
FIBA – International Basketball Federation
- Statistician and Statistics Trainer, Oceania, since 2017.
- Selector/Organiser, Women’s World Cup Statistics, 2022.
Basketball Australia/National Basketball League
- Statistician/Assessor, Women’s National Basketball League, current.
- Statistician, Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League, current.
- Statistician, National Wheelchair Basketball League, current.
- Member, National Statistics Panel, c2005-2023.
Basketball NSW
- Head Statistician, Sydney and Illawarra, since 2016.
- Coordinator, Statistics Committee.
Hills Basketball Association
- Statistics Coordinator, c2000-2010.
- Life Member, since 2016.
Awards and Recognition include:
- Statistician of the Year, Basketball NSW, 2018.
- Co-Recipient, Dr John Raschke Award, Basketball NSW, 2016.
- Long Service Award, Basketball NSW, 2012.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division
Mrs Lauretta Jayne Claus, Kellyville NSW 2155
For significant service to international and national basketball as a statistician, and to education.
FIBA – International Basketball Federation
- Statistics Reviewer, Men’s World Cup, 2019, and 2023.
- Lead Statistics Reviewer, Women’s World Cup, 2022.
- Member, Game Panel Review, World Cup, China, 2019.
- Lead Statistician, Oceania, 2017.
- Lead Statistics Instructor, Oceania, 2015.
- Statistics Coordinator, Women’s World Cup and Men’s World Cup, 1994.
Basketball Australia/National Basketball League/Women’s National Basketball League
- Chairperson, Statistics Committee, since 1992.
- Head Statistician, Sydney Kings, NBL, since 1988.
- Statistics Advisor, WNBL, 2002.
- Statistics Advisor, NBL, 1998.
- Player, Bankstown Bruins, WNBL, 1983-1986.
Basketball New South Wales
- Board Member, since 2016.
- Chair, Metropolitan Associations Advisory Committee, current.
- Chair, Spalding Waratah League Advisory Committee, current.
- Member, Nominations Committee, current.
- Accredited Referee, since 1985.
- Inductee, Hall of Fame, 2019.
- Life Member, Hills Hornets Basketball Association.
Spalding Waratah League
- Scorer/Statistician, current.
- Former Board Member.
- Life Member.
Department of Education NSW
- Director, Educational Leadership, Canterbury Principals Network, since 2022.
- School Education Director, Kogarah Principal Network, 2021.
- Principal, Arthur Phillip High School, 2018-2021.
- Principal, Quakers Hill High School, 2009-2018.
- Principal, Airds High School, 2006-2009.
- Deputy Principal, Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus, 2001-2006.
- Teacher, 1988-1998.
Awards and Recognition include:
- Distinguished Service Award, New South Wales Secondary Principals Council, 2010, and 2016.
- Statistician of the Year, Hills Hornets Association, 2012, and 2015.
- Australian Sports Medal, 2000.
Congratulations Lauretta & Trish on this remarkable recognition of your lifelong contributions!
