Sacred Heart Girls College NP - SPORT

🐴🏆 SHGC Equestrian Team Takes on the North Island! 🏆🐴

What an incredible few days our SHGC Equestrian Team had at the NISS Equestrian Cup in Taupō, with more than 500 riders competing from schools across the North Island!

We had 12 riders split into 2 teams - Red and White and two Intermediate riders competing individually. Across four action-packed days, our girls competed in Dressage, Show Jumping, Arena Eventing, and Show Hunter, often riding in two events per day.

There are far too many individual results to list, but our riders were incredibly competitive throughout the competition, collecting numerous placings and ribbons along the way. More importantly, they demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, determination, and teamwork. When they weren't riding, they could be found ringside cheering on their teammates, celebrating successes, and supporting each other through every challenge.

The weather certainly kept things interesting! While we were fortunate to avoid the rain, the cold and windy conditions tested both horse and rider. Our girls handled it all with resilience and professionalism, making us incredibly proud.

A special congratulations goes to our White Team of Lilly Baldock, Matilda Johnson, Freya Newell, and Millie Coomey, who achieved phenomenal team results:
🥇 1st Place Arena Eventing
🥈 2nd Place Show Jumping

The girls also embraced the new NZPCA Quiz Event, which brought three days of fun, laughter, teamwork, and even more ribbons! Let's just say... charades will never be the same again! 😂🎭🐴

A huge thank you must also go to our wonderful group of parents. Your encouragement, support, early starts, late finishes, and endless willingness to help made the week such a success. The positive atmosphere around our team was something truly special.

Most importantly, this trip showcased what an amazing group of young women we have in our equestrian programme. They represented SHGC with pride, supported each other every step of the way, and created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. SHGC is very proud of the talent, hard work, and dedication of these young riders.

Congratulations girls. We loved following your journey and can't wait to see what you achieve next! ❤️💙🐴

Finally, we need to say a HUGE thankyou to all of the sponsors who made this incredible event possible for our riders:
https://www.taupoequestriansupplies.co.nz/
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/alltogethersafernzeventing
https://betavet.co.nz/
https://www.dunstan.co.nz/
https://www.dynavyte.nz/
https://equineamerica.co.nz/
https://www.equissage.co.nz/
https://www.bpmnz.co.nz/equine/ (Fixine)
https://horsesports.co.nz/
https://nztr.co.nz/
https://www.prestigeitalia.com/en/stores/prestige-equestrian-ltd/
https://treadlite.co.nz/

🏐 AIMS Games Netball Update 🏐

What an incredible week it has been for our SHGC AIMS Netball team!

From the moment the team arrived ready to "rock and roll," our wāhine toa embraced every challenge that came their way with determination, resilience, and heart. Throughout the tournament, the girls showcased their skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, recording a number of impressive results and representing Sacred Heart Girls' College with pride.

After opening the tournament with two strong team performances, the girls continued their momentum with wins over Kaitaia College (26-9) and Auckland Diocesan School (24-13). A special birthday celebration for player Milan Maifea made the day even more memorable, along with the opportunity to catch up with former Silver Fern, Erikana Pedersen.

As the competition intensified, the team continued to show great character. They secured another impressive victory over Otumoetai Intermediate (22-13) before coming up against a strong Te Puke Intermediate side, going down 27-13. The girls showed resilience throughout the day and continued to support one another, regardless of the result.

One of the standout moments of the tournament came during a night game, where the team displayed incredible grit and determination to secure a hard-fought win and earn their place in the Top 24 teams at AIMS Games.

Beyond the results, this group has exemplified what it means to be a team. Their support for one another, commitment to improvement, and positive attitude throughout the week have been outstanding. As Coach Erika said, this team truly is a dream team.

A huge thank you to Coach Erika Maifea, Co-Coach Michelle Bourke, and Manager Emily Bellringer for their time, energy, encouragement, and dedication throughout the tournament. The care and commitment you have shown this group has helped create an environment where the girls could thrive, challenge themselves, and enjoy every moment of the AIMS Games experience.

Congratulations, girls. We are so proud of how you have represented SHGC both on and off the court. ❤️💙

As the tournament continues, we wish the team all the very best for their upcoming games. Keep playing with the same passion, resilience, and teamwork that has brought you this far. We're cheering you on every step of the way! 🏐🔥

❤️💙🏐

🏀🏀Northern Cup Basketball Tournament Wrap-Up 🏀🏀

Our basketball team has finished an outstanding Northern Cup campaign, placing 4th overall in a highly competitive tournament.

Day Three began with a thrilling semi-final against Pakūranga College. In a game that went right down to the final seconds, our girls showed tremendous determination and composure, narrowly going down 56-55 in a heartbreaking one-point loss.

Later that evening, the team took to the court again to contest the 3rd/4th playoff against Baradene College. Facing a larger and more experienced side, the girls produced another courageous performance before eventually falling 53-48.

Finishing 4th in the tournament is a fantastic achievement and one that every player should be incredibly proud of. Throughout the week, the team represented SHGC with pride, sportsmanship, and determination both on and off the court.

While the results on court were impressive, the tournament was about much more than basketball. The team enjoyed a memorable week of shared experiences, strengthening friendships and creating lasting memories. From exploring the Auckland Viaduct and visiting Marokopa Beach, to enjoying activities at the golf range and Clip 'n Climb, the girls embraced every opportunity that came their way. These experiences, alongside competing against some of the region's strongest senior basketball teams, made for a truly special tournament.

A special thank you must go to our manager, Kate Ponga, and coaches Steve Ponga and Ardy Straathof. Their unwavering commitment, passion, and support of SHGC Basketball over many years have been instrumental in the success of this programme. Together, they have built far more than a team. They have created a strong, connected basketball whānau and fostered a genuine love of the game that continues to inspire our players year after year. We are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and care they invest in our students.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank our generous tournament sponsors and supporters:

Goodwill Community Trust
Anna Straathof Real Estate
Moore Family
Fisiocrem
Bidfood

As well as the continued support from the school, families, and friends who have encouraged and supported the team throughout the season.

Congratulations to all players on an exceptional tournament. You have represented Sacred Heart Girls' College with pride and should be extremely proud of all that you have achieved.

Go Hearts! ❤️🏀

A huge congratulations to Mackenzie Hall on this outstanding achievement! 🎉 Years of hard work, dedication, and commitment have led to this well-deserved Zone Award. Receiving it at the LNISS Schools Netball Tournament, while umpiring for our Premier Netball team, made the moment even more special. We are incredibly proud of you, Mackenzie. What a fantastic achievement! 💙🏐

Congratulations to Robert Manu and Mackenzie Hall who both achieved their Zone Theory and then were awarded their Zone Awards at the Lower North Island Secondary School Championships.

Get along and support this fantastic PTFA fundraiser. Fill in the link if you would like to book a stall.

🏑💙 AIMS GAMES HOCKEY UPDATE - WE'RE TOP 8! 💙🏑

What an absolutely incredible week our SHGC AIMS Games Hockey Team has had!

✅ Day 1: Win
✅ Day 2: Draw and Win
✅ Day 3: Win

These outstanding results have seen the team finish at the top of their pool and secure a place in the Top 8 at AIMS Games! 🎉

Making the Top 8 is a massive achievement and a testament to the hard work, determination, resilience and teamwork the girls have shown throughout the tournament. They have represented SHGC with pride, displaying outstanding sportsmanship, school spirit and a real love for the game.

The excitement isn't over yet! Tonight at 6.45pm, the team faces a crucial penalty shootout. The result will determine tomorrow's pathway, with a win providing a more favourable route towards the final.

We couldn't be prouder of what these girls have achieved already. Please join us in sending them your support and good luck wishes as they take on tonight's shootout!

💙🏑 Congratulations girls on an amazing tournament so far. Bring on the Top 8 and good luck tonight! 🏑💙

🏆💙❤️ CHAMPIONS! 10A Netball Section 4 Winners ❤️💙🏆

A huge congratulations to our SHGC 10A Netball Team, who finished their season in style by taking out the Section 4 Senior Grade New Plymouth Satellite Competition!

Coach Nadine Moore shared how proud she is of the team:

"SHGC 10A finished off their season on a high on Saturday, taking out the Section 4 competition and therefore being promoted to Section 3 for 2027. This team has grown from strength to strength over their season. Their ability to grind out wins against strong opposition has been a pleasure to watch. Every single player has been a huge asset to this team and they have been an absolute pleasure to coach. Outstanding work girls, we are so proud of you all."

This success has truly been a team effort, with every player contributing to an incredible season. Your resilience, teamwork, and commitment to one another have been inspiring to watch.

A special thank you to Coaches Nadine Moore and Julie Dobson for their dedication, support, and countless hours invested in helping this team achieve such a memorable result.

Congratulations, girls. We are incredibly proud of what you have accomplished and look forward to seeing what you achieve next! 👏🏐🏆

🏅🚴‍♀️ AIMS Games BMX Success for Lexi Silver! 🚴‍♀️🏅

What an incredible week of racing for Sacred Heart's own Lexi Silver at the NZCT AIMS Games BMX competition!

Lexi started her campaign in spectacular fashion, claiming Gold in the Individual Time Trials. With consistently outstanding lap times throughout the competition, she set herself up perfectly to take the top spot.

She then progressed to the Individual Racing event, where she won every race leading into the final. In a thrilling championship race, a small slip of the pedal on the first straight saw Lexi drop back to fourth place. Showing incredible determination and skill, she fought her way back through the field to draw level for first, only to be pipped on the finish line by just 0.3 seconds, earning a well-deserved Silver Medal.

Lexi also teamed up with Sam Hickey from Francis Douglas Memorial College in the Novelty Teams Racing event. The pair rode exceptionally well together and secured Bronze in the competition.

To come away from AIMS Games with Gold, Silver, and Bronze is a fantastic achievement and a testament to Lexi's hard work, resilience, and talent. She represented Sacred Heart Girls' College with pride and distinction throughout the event.

A huge thank you to Lexi's mum Sarah for the updates, support, and encouragement throughout the week. Every athlete needs a dedicated supporter in their corner, and we're sure Lexi's biggest fan was cheering loudly every step (and pedal!) of the way! 💙❤️

🏐 PREMIER NETBALL 2026 - THAT'S A WRAP! 🏐

What a way to finish the season!

Our girls have wrapped up their LNISS Tournament on a high, finishing 15th overall out of more than 70 teams and securing a place in the Top 16. An outstanding achievement!

For a relatively new group brought together this season, the journey hasn't always been easy. However, the growth, determination, resilience, and never-give-up attitude this team has shown throughout the year has been something to be incredibly proud of. From the first game to the final whistle, the girls continued to learn, develop, and most importantly, play for each other.

Finishing 15th out of 70+ teams is a testament to their hard work, commitment, and belief in one another. What started as a newly formed team has grown into a side capable of competing with some of the best school teams in the Lower North Island.

A HUGE thank you to our amazing sponsors for getting behind our team and helping make this tournament possible:

💜 Crowded House Bar & Eatery
💜 Unlimit
💜 Harcourts Team Green
💜 Card Crazy
💜 Locked-In Storage

We are incredibly grateful for your support and generosity.

A special thank you must also go to our coaching team, Gina Briggs and Cheryl Patu, whose dedication, knowledge, and commitment have guided this group throughout the season. The time, energy, and passion they have invested in these players have been instrumental in the team's growth and success.

We would also like to acknowledge team manager Melissa Nelson, who stepped into the role part way through the season and did an amazing job. Melissa quickly became an invaluable part of the team, keeping everything organised behind the scenes and providing wonderful support for the players, coaches, and families.

To our families, supporters, and friends, thank you for every message, every kilometre travelled, every sideline cheer, and all the behind-the-scenes support throughout the season. Your encouragement has played a huge part in this team's success.

And finally, to our girls... be proud. You have worked hard, supported one another, embraced challenges, and finished the season on a massive high. You have represented SHGC with pride and should be proud of everything you have achieved.

What a season. What a team. What a journey. 💜🖤

SHGC PREMIER NETBALL 🏐💜🖤

💜🧗‍♀️ Secondary School Climbing Cup Success 🧗‍♀️💜

A huge congratulations to Claudia Yukich, who recently represented SHGC at the Secondary School Climbing Cup held in New Plymouth. She delivered an outstanding performance!

Competing against some of the country's best young climbers, Claudia successfully solved four climbing problems and came agonisingly close to achieving her personal goal of five.

While Claudia narrowly missed out on a semi-final qualification spot by just one competitor, this result is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the hard work and dedication she continues to put into her climbing.

The exciting news is that Claudia will remain in the Year 9/10 Girls division next year, and with the experience she has gained this season, we're confident she'll be back stronger than ever and challenging for those semi-final spots.

Well done, Claudia! We are incredibly proud of your effort, resilience, and the way you represented SHGC. 👏💜