GRACE WINS FIH GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR
Hockey New Zealand is incredibly proud to announce that Grace O’Hanlon, goalkeeper for the Vantage Black Sticks Women, has been crowned the FIH Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2025. The first time in history a New Zealander has won a senior FIH global award.
Grace now joins hockey’s global elite, standing alongside past winners from the world’s top nations. Until today, no New Zealand player had ever claimed a senior FIH award, with Stacey Michelsen’s Rising Star accolade in 2011 standing as the only previous Kiwi success. Grace’s victory is a milestone moment for New Zealand hockey, one that rewrites the record books and signals the strength of the Vantage Black Sticks programme 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 were instrumental in securing two international gold medals for New Zealand.
Her influence was so significant that she was also named both Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at the Vantage Black Sticks Annual Awards, voted by teammates, coaches, and staff.
Captain Olivia Shannon says the award captures exactly who Grace is, both on and off the field: “This is absolutely huge for Grace. There is truly no one more deserving. Grace is a once-in-a-lifetime generational player, and to play alongside her, as a captain but more importantly as a friend, has been incredibly special. She’s shaped and changed the way goalkeeping is played, inspiring not just our team but future Black Sticks as well. We are so proud of her, and there’s no one more fitting to make history for New Zealand than Grace.”
Women's Head Coach Phil Burrows echoed the significance of her achievement: “Grace’s win is a historic first for New Zealand hockey and a reflection of her outstanding year. Her performances, leadership and genuine care for her teammates have been exceptional. Grace will be proud of this award, but even prouder of the part she played in our team’s success.”
Grace’s achievement is not only a celebration of her world-class ability, but a reflection of the wider Black Sticks environment. A team that has taken major steps forward in 2025 and proven its ability to compete with the world’s best.
Her recognition on the global stage reinforces what the New Zealand hockey community already knows: Grace O’Hanlon is one of the world’s top goalkeepers and a defining leader within the Vantage Black Sticks programme.
Hockey New Zealand congratulates Grace on this extraordinary achievement and thanks every fan, family member, club, and teammate who supported her journey. 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.”