The Renaming of the Halls Medal to the Lorraine Eiler Medal

The Halls Medal has been a symbol of excellence in South Australian women’s basketball for over half a century. First awarded in 1964, the prestigious honour was established to recognise the best and fairest players in the District Women’s competition. Over the years, it has evolved into the award for the Fairest and Most Brilliant player, with referees casting votes after every game on a 3-2-1 basis.

With a history rich in talent, past winners include some of Australia’s basketball greats — Rachael Sporn (West Adelaide, 1989 & 1993), Suzy Batkovic (West Adelaide, 2002), Alex Wilson (Eastern Mavericks, 2017), and Kristen Veal (Norwood, 1999), among others.
The origins of the award date back to a time when the Woollacott Medal was the sole recognition for standout players. A push for a separate women’s award led to Halls Soft Drinks sponsoring the medal, creating a legacy that has stood the test of time.

Now, in recognition of the remarkable contributions of women in basketball and the sport’s ever-evolving landscape, the Halls Medal is set to be renamed. And there is no better figure to honour in this transition than Lorraine Eiler, a true trailblazer of women’s basketball in Australia.

Eiler was a natural leader who captained South Australia’s state team at the first-ever National Championships in 1955, winning the first of nine consecutive titles. She made history as the captain of Australia’s first-ever national women’s basketball team, leading the Opals at the 1957 FIBA World Championships in Brazil. What makes her story even more remarkable is that she had only taken up basketball three years prior to her historic selection.

A multi-talented athlete, Eiler excelled in basketball and netball, where she represented Australia and led the national team to victory over England in 1956. She was also an A-grade tennis and squash player. But it was her groundbreaking journey in basketball that saw her become the first Australian woman to receive a U.S. college scholarship — an opportunity that paved the way for future generations of female athletes.

Her legacy was cemented when she was inducted into the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Sport SA Hall of Fame in 2015. She remains one of the most influential figures in Australian women’s basketball history.

The official unveiling of the new name will take place at this Basketball SA Awards Gala, ensuring that the legacy of the Halls Medal continues to inspire generations to come. The inaugural Lorraine Eiler Medalist will be awarded to the Fairest and Most Brilliant player of the 2025 NBL1 Central season, which tips off on March 29.

Basketball SA CEO Tim Brenton expressed his excitement about the renaming, stating,

"This is a monumental step forward in recognising the pioneers of our sport. Lorraine Eiler’s contributions to basketball in South Australia and beyond are immeasurable, and it is only fitting that her name is forever linked to this prestigious award."

He added, "Lorraine was not just an exceptional athlete but also a role model who paved the way for future generations. By renaming this medal in her honour, we ensure her legacy continues to inspire young basketballers for years to come."

Lorraine’s daughter, Jodi Mavrinac (née Eiler), also shared what the honour means to their family:

"On behalf of the Eiler family, I would like to thank Basketball South Australia for bestowing this tremendous honour upon Mum. Mum was a humble person when it came to her sporting achievements, but I know she would be smiling down upon us today. When we talk about heroes in life, my brother Dana and I didn’t have to look far afield. Mum always led by example in everything she did, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of such recognition. The renaming of the Halls Medal to the Lorraine Eiler Medal fills our hearts to know her legacy will inspire generations of women and live on through the sport she loved so much."
We would like to thank the Basketball SA Awards and History Committee for their assistance and guidance on renaming the award.