Canterbury woman awarded HNZ Most Outstanding Young Person Award
Emma Marshall, a talented and dedicated young woman, has been recognised for her hard work and leadership in hockey by being awarded Hockey NZ’s Most Outstanding Young Person Award for 2022. Emma, a student at Rolleston College, has shown exemplary commitment and leadership both on and off the field.
She has been a vital member of the Rolleston College Hockey programme, serving as the coach of the 2nd XI Hockey team. In this role, she has worked tirelessly to organise and communicate with players and parents regarding availability and transport to games. She has also taught the girls new skills, demonstrating her ability to plan and execute with a high standard.
Emma has also been Head of Fundraising for the Hockey Girls Programme at Rolleston College, acting as a critical link between parents and players. She created and managed spreadsheets to collate all contributions and involvements in fundraising projects, and spoke at numerous fundraising events. Her efforts have been instrumental in securing the necessary funds to support the programme.
As Captain of the 1st XI Girls Hockey team, Emma has been a driving force in creating a cohesive team culture and sense of pride within the Rolleston College Hockey programme. She has organised team-building exercises and promoted inclusivity, resulting in a team that works well together and is proud of their achievements.
Emma’s leadership skills have not gone unnoticed, as she was able to steer her team to a 2nd place finish during Winter Tournament week. She was also the top goal scorer at the tournament, demonstrating her skills as a player as well as a leader.
In addition to her roles within the Rolleston College Hockey programme, Emma has been a critical member of the Strategic Planning Committee, always bringing new ideas to the table. Her contributions have helped to shape the future of the programme and ensure its continued success.
Despite all her admin work within school, Emma also plays for the Waikirikiri Division 2 Women’s team, which won their competition over the winter season. Her dedication and hard work in both her school and community teams demonstrate her passion for the sport and her ability to excel both on and off the field.
Emma Marshall is a shining example of what it means to be a young leader in hockey. Her dedication to her school’s hockey programme and community team, her hard work in fundraising and strategic planning, and her ability to lead and inspire her fellow players have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and the wider hockey community.