East Auckland College dominates national schools tennis competition
The key word at the heart of Howick College’s premier tennis team’s run of great success in 2024 is ‘unity’.
This is what Avah Sila, captain of the school’s premier first team, told the News of the World. era She and coach Adelita Sotutu achieved historic success on the court this season.
Howick Academy has firmly established itself as one of New Zealand’s leading netball schools after winning the top division one title at the National Secondary Schools Championships in Christchurch on 11 October.
In the end, Howick College defeated Avondale College with a score of 35:34 in the final and won the championship.
This is a continuation of the fierce rivalry between Howick and Avondale during 2024.
Auckland East College defeated Central West Secondary School with a score of 40:37 in the final, and then defeated Central West Secondary School with a score of 40:39 to determine the winner of the Upper North Island (UNISS).
Silas described the feeling after the final whistle of the national final.
“It’s really exciting. After winning the other two finals, we have to win the last one. Our job is done.”
The captain added that they have done a lot of preparation before major events to prepare for the crucial moments that determine the championship.
“We work hard in training to keep possession of the ball under pressure.”
Howick College center and New Zealand Under-21 national team member Charlie Lindsay soars through the air, looking for the next pass. Photo credit: Michael Bradley PhotographySylla and teammate center Charlie Lindsay are both goalkeepers for the New Zealand Under-21s and New Zealand Secondary Schools teams. Sylla said they know the Avondale players because they are also in the national age group team. member.
“Every time we play them, anyone can win,” Silas said. During this long season, the two sides have competed fiercely in different competitions.
“They are a very talented team. Now it’s about which team makes the fewest mistakes.”
Sotutu said that two more Howick players were selected for the New Zealand secondary school training team, goalkeeper Zermahnia Manu and winger Skylah Tainui Taklei Tainui-Takerei).
The coach, who is also Howick Academy’s director of sports and oversees the school’s other sports teams to achieve further excellence, said Cierra was the right person to be named captain at the start of the year, following her debut with the top team. Second season.
“She leads by example, works very hard and is deeply respected by her classmates.”
Silas said she has received a lot of support: “Leading our team is easy because there are many leaders in the team”.
When the full-time whistle blew, the players of Howick College’s Division One baseball and softball teams knew they were the best team in New Zealand. Photo credit: Michael Bradley PhotographySotutu added that the team’s undeniably strong bond is based on “respecting” all players and “being on the same page” while being honest enough to “challenge” teammates to be the best they can be.
The coach and captain are extremely grateful for all the support the team has received throughout the tennis season, including from schools and families cheering them on at tournaments including in Christchurch.
“There’s an amazing community here – family, friends and sponsors,” Sotutu said, adding that Howick Academy’s premier two-grade varsity teams also won at this year’s Auckland competition.
Howick College’s first national secondary school netball championship: Avah Sila (captain), Charlie Lindsay (vice-captain), Unuhia Crosby-Te Whare, Sierra Lau’ese, Zermahnia Manu, Liz Neiufi, Sia Neiufi, Ellay Peters, Mia Petford, Skylah Tainui-Takerei, Ariella Vaitupu, Eseta Waqaira .
Management Adelita Sotutu (coach), Tania Tuinukuafe (assistant coach), Amy Du Plessis (manager), Leah Pearsall (physiotherapist), Mel Petford and Claudine Teina (tournament parent assistant).
Coach Adelita Sotutu and captain Avah Sila speak to The Times at Howick College, which has just won the historic National High School Award champion. The Times Photo PJ Taylor2024-10-23 19:39:00