Iona College student named in Women's Black Sticks

Hawke's Bay striker Olivia Shannon has been named in the Black Sticks squad. Photo / File

Hawke's Bay schoolgirl Olivia Shannon has been named in the 2019 Women's Black Sticks Squad, topping off a year of "firsts" for both her and Iona College.

The selection caps off a remarkable year for the 17-year-old who was one of the stars of the Iona 1st XI Hockey team who were crowned the Hawke's Bay Champions for the third year in a row. She also helped the school to first place in the elite Federation Cup Tournament where she was also top goal scorer.

To end the 2018 season ranked number one in New Zealand was a new best for Iona hockey, as well as a first for a Hawke's Bay secondary school.

Shannon also won the Vantage National Under 18 Championship playing for the Central Districts U18 team and was runner-up at the Ford NHL for the Central Mysticks where she was named the tournament MVP.

The newly-named Central Hockey U18 Women's Player of the Year said it had always been her goal to represent New Zealand at major competitions.

"Hockey has fuelled this passion and ever since I picked up my first stick I was determined to put my all into it."

The teenage striker said receiving the news that she had been selected as a Black Stick and realising she was one step closer to her Olympic dream was an emotional moment.

"I screamed, cried and started shaking, so it was a pretty unreal feeling."

Shannon is very grateful to Iona College for the encouragement and academic support to ensure she was able to balance her hockey training with her Level 2 NCEA requirements.

She will sit her final exam on November 19 and then join the Auckland-based Black Sticks when they start their first training camp on November 26.

The Vantage Black Sticks Women are next in action in January when they play the Netherlands for the start of the inaugural FIH Pro League.

She will continue here studies next year by correspondence.

Vantage Black Sticks selector Tina Bell-Kake said Shannon was a "young, exciting, player" who caught the eye of selectors on the back of an excellent year of hockey "capped off with a really solid NHL performance for Central".

"She shows great maturity in her decision making and awareness, creative and dynamic in the attacking third."