ASB Young Sportsperson of the Year winners 1991- 2014: Sheryl Clarke, Valerie Adams

Sheryl Scanlan [nee Clarke]. Photo / Wayne Drought

Each week until the annual ASB YSPOTY awards dinner in November, we will profile past winners as we count down to the 25th annual event which honours the top young college sportspeople in the region.

Sheryl Clarke (AGGS) 1995

Sheryl Clarke was one of New Zealand netball's top defenders for several years and hung the bib up in 2012 only after injury.

But in 1995 she was in the midst of what may be an unprecedented feat, being part of championship-winning sides at Auckland school level, with Auckland Girls' Grammar; at Auckland premier club level, with Collegiate; and the NPC with Auckland.

Not bad for a raw 18-year-old. "I was very blessed in being part of three national championships. 1995 was one of my most memorable years for my netball achievements, especially while I was still at school," she says.

She recalls the strong AGGS netball programme in the 1990s.

"In my first year at AGGS as a third former, Rita Fatialofa was the Open A coach, and the way she trained that team, they were machines. No school at that time was even close to the level our Open A played, beating teams by at least 20 goals. We had players like Teresa Tairi, Tammy Kaa, Cindy and Joy Ngawati, to name a few. It was so inspirational seeing these young talented women at school who led by example on and off the court, and all of these players went on to represent New Zealand in netball, rugby, league and touch. My first coach was Te Aroha Keenan (now at MAGS). Being in this environment at school, it was only natural for me to pursue netball.

"My memories of the sports awards in 1995 are quite vivid. It was so far from my mind to ever think that I would be even considered for the overall sportswoman of the year. I was hoping to get the netball prize and be very happy with that. I was very surprised when they called out my name. Apart from the initial shock, the next thing that came to my mind was my parents, who were both there. With all of their support as my netball journey started to evolve, it was nice to give something back to them ..."

The trophy had such names as Beatrice Faumuina and Jonah Lomu engraved on it. "I was really honoured to have my name alongside some of the world's greatest athletes."

Clarke went on to play for the Silver Ferns and Samoa, and in the semi-professional ANZ Championship. Top of the list was winning the 2003 world champs with the Ferns, and the 2006 Commonwealth Games gold.

Now Sheryl Scanlan, the 37-year-old lives in Brisbane with husband Malcolm and son Jafeth.

"I've been here for nearly three years and love it. I'm coaching four teams at different levels of netball and also do specialist defensive sessions. I am working at Stuartholme School, a private school for girls, as the assistant in the sports department and looking after the netball programme there," she says.

Valerie Adams (Southern Cross) 2001

Valerie Vili [nee Adams ] stands proud after winning Gold in the Womens Shot Put, at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne. Photo / Wayne Drought

Val Adams needs little introduction.

The 30-year-old is the reigning two-time Olympic shot put champion and four-time world champion, making her fit to rank as one of New Zealand's finest athletes ever. Her winning streak in competition stretches back to 2010 and she has her sights set on Rio next year for what could be her third Olympic gold medal. Much of her time is spent in Europe, where she competes, and Auckland, where her family are.

Back in 2001, Adams won the supreme ASB Award, her raw power carrying her to the world youth title with a shot of 16.87m. She remains the sole winner out of Southern Cross Campus, though another shot putter -- Jacko Gill -- won the 2010 award out of Takapuna Grammar.

In 2003, Adams returned to the ASB Awards as guest speaker and spoke beautifully and eloquently, an inspiration to the many talented young sportspeople.