Woodford house

Woodford had the privilege of hosting Black Stick Emily Naylor and former Football Fern and White Fern Rebecca Rolls for the school’s annual sports awards dinner.

Born in Napier, Rolls began her sporting career playing international football. After a few years, she put down the football and picked up a cricket bat, entering into a long One Day International cricket career, representing New Zealand in 104 matches and one Test match. In 2012, after having retired from both codes, she made a shock come back for the Football Ferns.

Naylor, of Palmerston North, is the most capped women’s hockey player ever with 246 test caps. She has competed at three Olympic Games and is currently on the come-back trial to make the team for Rio 2016.

Both sportswomen have a strong connection with Woodford as Naylor coaches members of the Sports Academy and Rolls is the sister-in-law of Head of Sport, Chris McIvor.

Deputy Head Girl Prue Boult and her sister Anna interviewed the athletes at the awards ceremony about their sporting careers and advice for the next generation of female athletes. Their messages were thought-provoking as they highlighted the importance of playing multiple sports while at school, having an alternative career plan and how to prioritise, rather than balance, sport and school work.

Rolls said some teenagers were specialising too early, which increased the risk of burn-out and code fatigue.

‘Playing a range of sport will keep students’ skill set wide and their brains fresh’, she said.

Year 12 student Eva Goodisson took away the Senior Sportsperson of the Year award, while Molly Goodisson and Georgia Trent won the Junior Sportsperson of the Year. Aquathon world champion Eva Goodisson, also received the Principal’s Award for Excellence.

Eva receiving an award from Emily Naylor

 Major award winners: