Black Ferns’ Braxton Sorensen-McGee Reflects on Stellar 2025

In an astonishing year, Braxton Sorensen-McGee has emerged as a standout player for the Black Ferns, culminating in a series of accolades that have redefined her career path. Reflecting on her remarkable journey in 2025, Sorensen-McGee expressed a sense of disbelief at her accomplishments, revealing that her initial ambition was to pursue a career in education.

Just over a year ago, the 19-year-old was focused on exams at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, with aspirations of becoming an early childhood teacher. She had plans to balance her studies with her rugby commitments, participating in the Super Rugby Aupiki with the Blues. “My plan was to do Blues in the first part of the year and then go study the second part of the year,” she stated. However, her trajectory shifted dramatically with her selection for the Black Ferns.

Remarkable Achievements and Recognition

The young athlete has had a stellar season, earning prestigious titles such as World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, Junior Māori Sportswoman of the Year, Black Ferns Player of the Year, and New Zealand Rugby Age-Grade Player of the Year. Her impressive collection of awards has led to a significant reshuffling of trophies at her family home in Auckland, where she jokingly mentioned relocating her brother’s trophies to make room for her own.

Having transitioned from an age-group star in rugby league, Sorensen-McGee’s decision to turn down a development contract with the Warriors has proven wise. “It’s been pretty unreal,” she noted, as she reflects on her swift rise in the sport. She began playing rugby in high school in 2020 while on a league scholarship, quickly making her mark in the Farah Palmer Cup before stepping onto the world stage.

Under the guidance of Willie Walker, her coach at the Blues, Sorensen-McGee made a significant impact during the Aupiki campaign. She not only scored a long-range try in the final against Matatū but also contributed to the Blues’ victory over the Waratahs in the Super Rugby Champions final, where she scored two tries in the first half.

Black Ferns Debut and World Cup Success

Her remarkable performances earned her a spot in the Black Ferns training camp ahead of the Pacific Four Series. Surprising herself with her selection, Sorensen-McGee debuted on May 10, scoring two tries against the Wallaroos in Newcastle. Her speed, agility, and playmaking skills quickly established her as a key player heading into the World Cup.

Despite the pressure of competing on a global stage, Sorensen-McGee excelled, finishing the tournament as the leading try-scorer with 11 tries and accumulating 69 points. “I obviously wasn’t planning to do any of that… but I kind of made a statement there,” she commented, expressing her astonishment at her achievements.

Although the Black Ferns faced a challenging semifinal loss to Canada, Sorensen-McGee’s stellar performance illuminated her potential, marking her as a rising star in rugby. “Being at a World Cup is a bit more scary than playing any other normal game,” she reflected, yet she embraced the challenge with remarkable poise.

As she looks ahead, Sorensen-McGee is set to transition to the Black Ferns Sevens team, making her debut in the SVNS Series just nine weeks after the World Cup. Competing in Dubai and Cape Town, she helped New Zealand secure a tournament win and a second-place finish, further establishing her versatility as an athlete.

With a hybrid contract allowing her to balance commitments in both formats, Sorensen-McGee is navigating her burgeoning career while contemplating her future. The change in the Super Rugby Aupiki schedule means she will continue playing for the Blues, with aspirations to represent the Black Ferns in upcoming tests.

As she prepares for a busy year ahead, the young athlete acknowledges the expectations that come with her newfound fame. “I know there’s a lot of expectations on me,” she said. “To be honest, I don’t really think about it that much. Just stay in the present.”

With plans to relocate to Mt Maunganui, the training base for the Sevens team, Sorensen-McGee is poised for an exciting chapter in her athletic career. While she has achieved remarkable milestones, her journey is only just beginning, inspiring countless young players who aspire to follow in her footsteps.