ATHLETICS: Noosa coach Mick Hooper believes 15-year-old Samantha Stanley's win in last year's Noosa Gift was the confidence booster which helped her to triple gold at last week's Australian Championships in Sydney.

Stanley won the under-17 100m (11.92sec), 200m (24.23sec) and triple-jump, before she won silver in the under-20s 4x100m relay, announcing herself as a star of the future.

It wasn't only a remarkable show of dominance in the sprint events for her age, it was also a personal best performance in terms of medals and times.

"I ran personal bests in the 100m, 200m and jumped a PB in the triple-jump,” Stanley said.

Stanley thanked Hooper for his support and tireless effort coaching her, and also praised jumps coach Bec Brice, who she trains with on Sundays.

"Mick is always there for me and supports me through training,” she said.

Hooper said Stanley would take a break after a long summer of training, with a view to next year being picked in the Australian Youth Olympics team.

"If she can repeat those performances next year at the Australian Titles she'll be in with a shot,” he said.

Stanley was the Sunshine Coast Council development award winner for December on the back of her win against men and older competitors at the Noosa Gift.

"I think she got a lot of encouragement out of winning that Noosa Gift and also the (development) award,” Hooper said.

Stanley, 15, attends St Teresa's Catholic College, Noosaville, and is a proud member of Noosa Athletics Club.

She said she never expected to win the Gift last year, although it was nice to beat some more experienced and older competitors.

"I never thought I was a chance, I was just there to support the club on my home track where I train and support the race,” she said.