A coach for more than 25 years, Harrower was named coach of the year for 2014.

The feat by the Harrower-coached Spirit to win back-to-back Women's National Basketball League championships in 2014 earned the team of the year title.

Spirit's championship victory in 2013 also netted the VicSport team of the year award.

A coach in high-level basketball since 1991-92, Harrower said he was extremely proud to have received the award.

"To be recognised by your peers and those from the outside looking in means a lot.

"As a coach I am extremely proud of what Bendigo Spirit has achieved, not just the past three years, but since we began eight seasons ago," Harrower said.

Since its first game in the WNBL, the Harrower-coached Bendigo Spirit has played in six play-off series, won back-to-back championships, and was runner-up in 2014-15.

"A key to our success is team unity. Over the years there has not been a high turnover of players.

"The longer you have a team together the greater chance for success."

Harrower's coaching record includes five wins from seven grand final appearances when in charge of the Bendigo Lady Braves.

Coaches from football, gymnastics, hockey, diving, water polo, tennis, swimming and netball were in the running for the awards which were presented at the MCG.