Amanda Hooper

Amanda Hooper. Photo / Christchurch Star

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Former Black Stick Amanda Jane Hooper was an exceptionally talented player whose work ethic and warmth towards her teammates made her second to none, according to former Black Sticks coach Ian Rutledge.

The 30-year-old is believed to have been on the second floor of the Pyne Gould Corporation building, where she worked as an account manager for finance company Marac, at the time of the earthquake.

Police confirmed her death on Friday, March 11.

The mother-of-two represented New Zealand in the 2002 Commonwealth Games, 2002 Women's Hockey World Cup and numerous tournaments around the world during her hockey career.

She was nominated for World Junior Player of the Year in 2003.

Speaking from Canberra, Rutledge, her coach of two years, said Amanda was one of the hardest-training athletes he had come across in his coaching career.

He said her athleticism was her biggest strength and this, combined with her punctuality and team spirit, made her a standout player.

"Amanda would be up there as one of the nicest people I have ever met in regards to her warm and caring nature. She was loved by everyone in her team."

Rutledge said Amanda often took on a motherly role when the Black Sticks were competing overseas and was known for her early 5.30am starts, even when the team were not due for training until 10am.

"She was always going to be a great mother. Even back then she showed those qualities of warmth and caring. There was no doubt she and her partner Richard were going to go and be great parents."

Amanda lived in Rolleston with her husband and their two young daughters.

"Immensely loved, missed and will never be forgotten by her husband, Ritchy and two gorgeous girls Aimee, 3, and Keily, 1."