Hockey New Zealand is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Vantage Black Sticks Annual Awards, recognising the outstanding players across the Vantage Black Sticks Men and Women programmes.
The awards honour the players who have shown exceptional performance, leadership and commitment throughout the international season, covering October 2025 to September 2026. Representing New Zealand takes a huge amount of sacrifice, and these awards celebrate those who have stood out on and off the field.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN
Player of the Year: NIC WOODS
Players’ Player of the Year: NIC WOODS
Team Values Award: BENJI CULHANE
U21 Player of the Year: RYAN PARR
VANTAGE BLACK STICKS WOMEN
Player of the Year: JOSEPHINE MURRAY
Players’ Player of the Year: HANNAH COTTER
Team Values Award: HANNAH GRAVENALL
U21 Player of the Year: RIANA PHO
PLAYER OF THE YEAR & PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR – NIC WOODS
Nic Woods has completed a clean sweep of the top individual honours for the Vantage Black Sticks Men, taking out both Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year. Voted the standout player by both staff and his teammates, Woods delivered world-class performances across the season, setting the standard on the field with his consistency, tactical understanding and work rate. Alongside his performances, he has continued to grow as a leader, helping guide the newer members of the squad and leading by example in everything he does.
“Nic has been consistently world class all year and is simply the best player in our team. He leads by example, brings real tactical leadership on the field and makes everyone around him better. A great leader and an even better role model for the group.” (from the player group)
TEAM VALUES AWARD – BENJI CULHANE
Benji Culhane has been recognised by players and staff as the athlete who best lives the values of the Vantage Black Sticks Men. Known for his preparation, work ethic and upbeat energy, Culhane is someone his teammates can always count on, at training, on match day and away from the turf. His team-first attitude and positive influence on the culture have made a real difference to the group this season.
“Benji lives and breathes our team values 24/7. He gives 110% at every training, is always ready when we need him and brings positive energy and a friendly, supportive spirit to the group every day.” (from the player group)
PLAYER OF THE YEAR – JOSEPHINE MURRAY
Josephine Murray has been named Player of the Year for the Vantage Black Sticks Women. A consistent, high-level performer throughout the season, Murray impressed with her elite technical ability and strong performances at the Nations Cup and World Cup. Her vision, composure and hockey IQ make her one of the most influential players in the team, both with the ball and in the way she brings the best out of those around her.
“Josie has the biggest impact in our team, not because she does it all herself, but because she makes the players around her better. She’s technically elite, consistent and composed, and impacts matches no matter who we’re playing.” (from the player group)
PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR – HANNAH COTTER
Hannah Cotter has been voted Players’ Player of the Year by her Vantage Black Sticks Women teammates. The leading goal scorer this season, Cotter has been consistent across every tour, combining skill and flair with a relentless work rate. Whether creating chances up front, scoring goals or winning the ball back in the press, she has been a constant threat and a player her teammates love to play alongside.
“Hannah is our most threatening attacker and can create something out of nothing. She’s skilful, explosive and always competing to win her contests, but she also puts in the hard work in our press and makes a difference on defence too. She’s been so consistent this year, is a pleasure to watch and still has so much more to come.” (from the player group)
TEAM VALUES AWARD – HANNAH GRAVENALL
Hannah Gravenall goes back-to-back! She has once again been recognised with the Team Values Award for the Vantage Black Sticks Women, receiving overwhelming support from both players and staff. Despite injury keeping her out of the World Cup, Gravenall remained a central part of the team, supporting the group from afar, helping with scouting and continuing to bring the positivity and care that make her so valued in the team environment.
“Hannah is the embodiment of this award. She always puts everyone before herself, makes sure everyone is included and is the first to check in on anyone who needs it. Even after her injury she kept supporting the team in every way she could, with a smile on her face. The team just isn’t the same without her.” (from the player group)
ABOUT THE AWARDS
Player of the Year – Awarded to the athlete who has delivered consistently exceptional performances throughout the international season, demonstrating professionalism, impact and consistency.
Players’ Player of the Year – Voted by teammates to recognise the player who has had the biggest impact on the team’s performance across the season.
Team Values Award – Awarded to the athlete who consistently demonstrates team-first behaviours and makes a significant positive contribution to the team culture.
U21 Player of the Year – Awarded to the U21 athlete who has delivered consistently exceptional performances throughout junior events, both international and domestic.
These awards celebrate not just athletic achievement, but the character, commitment and values that come with representing New Zealand. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and nominees.