Howick College’s Kendra Scully was named underwater hockey player of the year 2024 at College Sport Auckland’s Young Sportsperson of the Year Awards in December.
The accolade caps off an exceptional year for Scully, whose achievements have established her as one of Auckland’s top young athletes.
Last year, Scully played a key role in the Howick College senior open team’s bronze-medal win at the New Zealand secondary schools’ underwater hockey national championship, where she was named most valuable player in the senior open division.
Earlier in 2024, Scully and her team won the silver medal in the Auckland secondary schools’ underwater hockey competition.
On the international stage, Scully represented New Zealand at the world age-group championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, helping the under-19 women’s team claim the bronze medal, playing alongside team captain and former Howick College student, Juliet Curwood.
Scully’s success continued at College Sport Auckland’s underwater hockey awards in October, being named most valuable player (girl) and outstanding senior girl.
Her achievements add another chapter to Howick College’s proud legacy in underwater hockey.
The school says it “commends her unwavering dedication to her sport and community, celebrating her as an exemplary role model”.
Scully’s efforts have also been recognised within Howick College, where she received the service to sport prize, and the Howick Lions’ young founder’s award, which honours students who have overcome adversity to achieve at the highest level.
“Kendra’s leadership and commitment are truly inspiring,” says Howick College.
“As a year 13 student leader, she inspired her peers both in the pool and across all areas of school life.”
Alongside Scully, Ben Hew (year 13, underwater hockey), Skylah Tainui-Takerei (year 13, touch), and Avah Sila (year 12, netball), were also finalists at College Sport Auckland’s Young Sports Person of the Year Awards, highlighting the strong sports programme at Howick College.
“Scully’s recognition as underwater hockey player of the year reflects her exceptional talent, perseverance, and the culture of excellence nurtured at Howick College,” the school says.
