2024 Sports Awards

November 4, 2024

Hillcrest High School recently celebrated the outstanding achievements of its student-athletes and dedicated staff and coaches at the annual Sports Awards ceremony. The event recognised exceptional performances, unwavering commitment, and invaluable contributions to the school’s sporting programs.

Adult Awards

  • Administrator of the Year: Aroha Crombie, Director of Netball, was honored for her exceptional work in organising teams, securing coaches, and facilitating numerous tournaments, including the demanding winter tournament.

  • Manager of the Year: Karen Higginbottom, Rowing Manager, was recognized for her instrumental role in managing logistics, ensuring the well-being of rowers, and contributing to the team’s success at major regattas like North Island Secondary Schools and Maadi Cup.

  • Coach of the Year: Shaunna Polley, Beach Volleyball Coach, was awarded for her outstanding leadership, expertise, and dedication to developing young talent. Her coaching has resulted in significant achievements, including a national secondary school title.

Student Awards

  • Margaret Forsyth Shield (Service to Sport): Bria Duncan was honored for her exceptional contributions to the school’s sports program, including captaining the rowing squad, coaching junior futsal, and excelling in her duties as Sports Captain.

  • Peter O’Leary Trophy (Referee/Umpire of the Year): Gemma Herbert and Maddie Ward were jointly awarded for their outstanding refereeing performances in high-level competitions, including WSSFA senior premier boys, WIMS, and Weir Rose Bowl tournaments.

  • Student Coach of the Year: Lily Murray was recognized for her commitment to coaching the Senior A Netball team, her dedication to skill development, and her positive impact on the team’s performance.

  • Old Pupils Trophy (Team of the Year): The Beach Volleyball Boys duo of Liam Smith and Jaxon Stone were honored for their exceptional performance at the NZ Secondary Schools Championships, where they secured a national title.

  • Girls All-Rounder of the Year: Shanti McKoy was awarded for her outstanding achievements in volleyball, beach volleyball, netball, touch, trampoline, and athletics.

  • Boys All-Rounder of the Year: Liam Smith was recognised for his exceptional performances in volleyball, athletics, and beach volleyball, including representing New Zealand at the World U19 Beach Volleyball Championships.

  • Olympic Trophy (Most Outstanding Sportsperson): Joshua Cavanagh was honored for his exceptional cycling achievements, including top finishes in national and international competitions including 36th in the World U19 road cycling championships.

The Sports Awards ceremony was a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and passion of the Hillcrest High School sports community. The school congratulates all award recipients and looks forward to another successful year of sporting excellence in 2025.