“It was my first senior competition overseas and the other competitors obviously have more experience and success behind them,” she said.
Andrews had a strong body of work this year, though, having put in the hours in the dojo and at the gym.
She was awarded a brown belt after her performance in Australia.
“It was an amazing year. I achieved nearly all my goals.
“I got stronger, focused more and prepared better than before.”
Her year started with an all-female training camp in Gisborne.
In July, Andrews, another Gisborne judoka Ella Kelso and manager and coach Kiki Velloza were part of a New Zealand team's development tour to Hong Kong and Macau.
Andrews won a gold medal, a silver and two bronzes.
She won four golds and a silver at the national championships in Rotorua in October.
She is likely to compete in European competitions next year.
Longer term, she wants to put herself in the frame for the 2021 junior world championships in Italy, 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Andrews said she picked up the sport when she was five and had received great coaching and training from Velloza, Jason King, Lincoln Sycamore and Joe McQuillan.
She also won the club's trophies for most improved senior female and most outstanding judoka. Velloza said the latter was for winning the most gold medals at championships.
The judoka-of-the-year trophy, the club's pinnacle award, was for her “all-round competition results, giving back to the club, and being a good team player and a great role model for kids coming through”, Velloza said.
“Sydnee also helps with a women's project that we do, providing classes for women, and assists with coaching.”
Other awards —
Most improved beginner: Eni Sinoti.
Most improved girl: Isla Jacobs.
Most improved boy: Luca Alexander.
Most improved senior male: Simon Wharehinga.
Incentive trophy: Wirihana Papuni-Hohepa.
Peewee of the year: Shelby Kirkpatrick.
