HomeNewsSevens star wins UCOL-sponsored award

Sevens star wins UCOL-sponsored award

By UCOL on Tuesday, 26 March 2019

A photograph of Sarah Hirini

Black Ferns Sevens captain Sarah Hirini was named UCOL Sportswoman of the Year as well as the Supreme Winner at the recent Manawatū Sports Awards.

In 2018 Hirini captained the Black Ferns Sevens team to Commonwealth and World Cup gold medals. She was also part of the Manawatū Sevens team that won the national title in December.

Hirini beat out other finalists Selica Winiata (rugby), Anna Green (football), and Hannah Rowe (cricket) for the UCOL-sponsored Sportswoman of the Year Award. This is the fourth straight year Hirini has been named Manawatū Sportswoman of the Year.

Hirini was unable to attend the awards evening, so Manawatū Women’s Sevens assistant coach Robert Jones received the awards on her behalf. 

UCOL Executive Director Education & Applied Research Jerry Shearman, who presented the award, says Hirini was a deserved winner. 

“Not only is Sarah one of the best sevens players in the world, she is a great leader and role model. The fact that she is pursuing higher education while competing as an elite athlete is a testament to her commitment and work ethic.”    

Sponsoring the Sportswoman of the Year Award is part of UCOL’s relationship with Sport Manawatu, which also includes sponsorship for the Grass Roots and Secondary School Sports Awards, as well as providing access for UCOL students across a wide range of subject areas to be involved with Sport Manawatu at the many regional and national events they host.
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