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1 July 2026  2 min read

BE Awards 2025: Bev Guymon Inspiring Female of the Year

Some people lead from the front with noise and recognition. Others lead through years of quiet dedication, selfless service and an unwavering commitment to their community. Abby Chu is the latter.

For years, Abby has been at the heart of basketball in Plymouth, inspiring players of all ages both on and off the court. From returning to the game through Unity Through Basketball sessions, to competing for the Growlers, Plymouth Raiders, Plymouth Patriots Ladies, and now the newly formed Raiders women’s team, Chu has continually shown that passion for basketball has no age limit.

She has inspired countless women and girls to pick up a basketball for the very first time, proving through her own example that the game is for everyone.

But Abby’s impact stretches far beyond playing.

Whether she is coaching young players on Saturday mornings, teaching children how to keep score at table games, supporting local league basketball, refereeing, or helping fans on Raiders game days, Abby is always there whenever basketball in Plymouth needs her.

 

 

 

 

 

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Basketball England's Participation Programmes and Local Development Manager, Nick Holloway, said:

"Abby is the definition of community spirit - someone who gives her time, energy and care simply because she loves the game and the people around it.

"Winning this award allows us all to celebrate not only an incredible basketball person, but someone whose dedication continues to inspire an entire community.

"My warmest congratulations go to Abby on her win for 2025, and adding another valued and inspirational name to the list of winners of this award."

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Chu's recognition is the penultimate award from a 10-day period where national recipients of the 2025 Basketball England Awards will be announced, covering work from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

Winners from across BE's 10 regions were announced across April and May, with those recipients then shortlisted to narrow down the field for each national winner.

The final announcement will be to add another cohort of selections to BE's Services to Basketball roll of honour at 7pm on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.

Find out more about the Basketball England awards