A highly talented junior volleyball player who died four years ago when she was hit by a car that mounted an Adelaide footpath has been commemorated by local sporting authorities.
Volleyball SA said it chose to honour the memory of Sophia Naismith with the introduction of a new award in her name for young athletes.
The 15-year-old was fatally hit at Glengowrie when the driver of a Lamborghini Huracan lost control of the car on the night of June 22, 2019.
Ms Naismith was on the footpath with a friend outside the House of Tien restaurant on Morphett Road, and the driver later pleaded guilty to driving without due care.
Ms Naismith was a junior state volleyball player who had won selection in the South Australian team to play in the School Sport Australia volleyball championships in August 2019 but was denied the chance to compete.
Volleyball SA spokesperson Taylor Alland said the Sophia Naismith SA Spirit Award would go to young players who exemplified the same attributes that she possessed.
"She was a passionate and supportive junior volleyball player," Mr Alland said.
"The award goes to someone who displays a sort of positive and friendly outlook.
"They've got compassion and thoughtfulness towards others, a willingness to learn and improve, a never-give-up attitude … [and] commitment to the team and South Australian pride."
The inaugural winner of the award — under-17s player Zephyr Brus — was recognised for her passion for the sport and empathy for others.
Mr Alland said she demonstrated those traits, both on and off the court, at the Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championships in Coolangatta last month.
"During one of her matches, she injured herself and was no longer able to compete," Mr Alland said.
"But that didn't stop her from cheering on [other] athletes and giving them the most support that she could."
In 2019, about 2,000 people attended a public celebration of Ms Naismith's life, and her death prompted a push for law reform to crack down on high-powered vehicles.
Mr Alland said a lot of thought had gone into how Volleyball SA would commemorate Ms Naismith.
"We worked very closely with Sophia's parents throughout this entire thing," he said.
"They were actually the ones that awarded it to Zephyr on the night, so that was a really touching moment.
"I just hope that Sophia's legacy is able to live on in this award because it is very special."
