Hockey New Zealand is incredibly proud to announce that Vantage Black Sticks Women goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon has been crowned FIH Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2025, the first time in history that a New Zealander has won a senior FIH Global Award.
Grace now joins the global hockey elite and stands alongside past winners from the best countries in the world. To date, no New Zealand player had ever claimed a senior FIH award, with Stacey Michelsen’s Rising Star award in 2011 being the only previous Kiwi success. Grace’s victory is a milestone for New Zealand hockey, a moment that rewrites the record books and signifies the power of the Vantage Black Sticks program on the world stage.
Grace’s 2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary. She delivered world-class performances at the FIH Nations Cup and Oceania Cup, where her consistency, courage and sheer shot-stopping brilliance played a key role in securing two international gold medals for New Zealand.
Such was her influence that she was also named Player of the Year and Player of the Year at the Vantage Black Sticks Annual Awards, voted on by teammates, coaches and staff.
Captain Olivia Shannon says the award reflects exactly who Grace is, both on and off the pitch: “This is absolutely huge for Grace. There really is no one more deserving. Grace is a once-in-a-lifetime player, and to play alongside her, as a captain but more importantly as a friend, was incredibly special. She has shaped and changed the way goalkeeping is played, inspiring not only our team, but future Black Sticks. We are so proud of her, and there is no one more.” fitting to make history for New Zealand than Grace.
Women’s head coach Phil Burrows reiterated the significance of her achievement: “Grace’s victory is a historic first for New Zealand hockey and a reflection of her outstanding year. Her performance, leadership and genuine care for her teammates were exceptional. Grace will be proud of this accolade, but even prouder of the role she played in our team’s success.”
Grace’s achievement is not only a celebration of her world-class capabilities, but a reflection of the wider Black Sticks environment. A team that has taken great steps forward in 2025 and has proven that it can compete with the best in the world.
Her recognition on the world stage reinforces what the New Zealand hockey community already knows: Grace O’Hanlon is one of the world’s best goalkeepers and a defining leader within the Vantage Black Sticks program.
Hockey New Zealand congratulates Grace on this extraordinary achievement and thanks all the fans, family members, club and teammates who have supported her. This is a very special moment for our sport, one that will inspire the next generation of Black Sticks for years to come.
Final words from Olivia Shannon:
“We will all celebrate this award with you, we love you and we are all so proud of you.”
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