Rolleston’s Jack aces awards night

Being named the most valued female member of a team at the Zonta Secondary Schools Sports Awards was “surreal” for Rolleston College’s Hannah Jack.

The year 13 student received the award for services to the school’s senior A netball team, which she captained and made more than 100 appearances for.

“It was pretty surreal,” she said.

“I didn’t really expect it, to be honest. But I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Jack was one of 13 winners across seven categories at the awards night, run by the Zonta Club of Christchurch South and School Sport Canterbury. She was the only one from a school in Selwyn.

“Coming from a smaller school I thought one of those other girls would get it,” the 18-year-old said.

“They looked like they were definitely competitive, but I’m grateful to be considered among those talented people.”

The award capped off a successful week for her family – brother Liam Jack was part of the Canterbury team that lifted the NPC trophy last Saturday after beating Otago in the final.

“I’m very proud to be his sister,” she said.

Their father Graham is a former Crusaders and Canterbury lock, while Graham’s brother Chris Jack played 67 tests for the All Blacks.

Jack joined Rolleston’s top netball team in year 10 and has been ever-present since.

In her time, the team has seen huge improvements. They were 10th at the South Island secondary schools championship in Dunedin this year, where Jack, a defender, played her 100th game.

They also competed in the premier 1 grade in the Selwyn competition, finishing third and making the semi-finals.

“We started in C grade, and we've been lucky enough to have an awesome coach, Denise Keno, who’s helped us grow,” Jack said.

“We’ve moved all the way up to A grade in tournaments, and SuperNet Reserve in the school grades, so it’s a big step up from where we started.”

Jack has played her last game for Rolleston and will finish school at the end of the year. She still wants to be involved in netball in the district.

“I’m joining the air force, so my intentions would probably be to play in that team, as well as the Burnham (club) team.

“I’d love to play at a high level, but I’ll just keep the love of the sport alive, just keep playing it.”

Burnham are also coached by Keno.

Jack said she would miss playing after she graduates from Rolleston College.

“It was a really cool year this year.”

“Everyone just really enjoyed themselves, it was a great team environment,” she said.