For the third consecutive year Hope has won club player of the year - a unique three-peat (click here to see other ABC legends who have won this award Prize Winners | ABC Hockey).
Writing from Holland where she is playing hockey, Hope said:
"My hockey journey over the past five years has been greatly influenced by ABC. I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have received this award. I also wanted to say a massive thank you to Holly Pearson for accepting the award on my behalf as I was unable to be there.
I was fortunate enough to represent the Black Sticks at both the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games this year. I gained a lot of knowledge in the two months being away and loved every minute being a part of something bigger than just our team.
Leading into the World Cup it felt like the odds were against us, we didn’t win a build-up game. However, those were the moments that fuelled us heading into the World Cup and made us stronger. We wanted to make ourselves, families and country proud. It didn’t matter who was ranked higher the only thing that mattered was who would turn up on the day wanting it more. We defeated England and India and drew with China to top the "Pool of Death". Unfortunately, we were unable to beat Germany in the quarter final as they were the better team that turned up that day. Lots of learnings to take away but still super proud of the team.
The Commonwealth games was also very special because I got to be alongside athletes, I had looked up too my whole life. It was an amazing experience and super special to be a part of the wider NZ team.
I am incredibly grateful that a club team like ABC has supported me so highly. ABC enables players to always express themselves, enabling them to play flair and creatively. Over the years my confidence has grown on the field due to the support from ABC. A huge thank you to my ABC coaching team James Coughlan, Paul McGoon, and Naveena Heera for supporting me. Lastly, thank you to my ABC team mates, love every minute playing alongside you!"
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