Breakthrough Year for Braxton Sorensen-McGee: A Rising Star

In a remarkable twist of fate, Braxton Sorensen-McGee has emerged as a breakout star in women’s rugby, achieving a series of accolades in 2025 that few could have anticipated. The 19-year-old athlete, representing the Black Ferns, has made significant strides in her career, but admits one personal aspiration fell by the wayside: her desire to pursue further education. “I kind of wanted to study,” she shared in an interview with the Sunday Star-Times, reflecting on her extraordinary journey.

Just over a year ago, Sorensen-McGee was preparing for exams at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, contemplating a future as an early childhood teacher while juggling ambitions to play rugby. “My plan was to do Blues in the first part of the year and then go study the second part of the year,” she explained. However, an unexpected call to join the Black Ferns altered her path dramatically.

A Meteoric Rise in Rugby

The past year has been nothing short of transformative for Sorensen-McGee. She has been named the World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, alongside accolades such as Junior Māori Sportswoman of the Year and Black Ferns Player of the Year. Her achievements have led to a restructured trophy display at her family home in Auckland, where she now proudly showcases her rugby successes.

Having transitioned from a promising career in rugby league, Sorensen-McGee decided to focus solely on union after rejecting a development contract with the Warriors. Her decision has proven fruitful; she made her debut in Super Rugby Aupiki in March, quickly becoming a standout player. This season culminated in a thrilling victory against Matatū, where she scored a long-range match-winning try in the final.

“It’s been pretty unreal,” Sorensen-McGee admitted, reflecting on her rapid ascent in the sport. Her performance in the Super Rugby Champions final against the Waratahs, where she scored two tries in just one half, further cemented her status as a rising star.

Making Waves on the International Stage

The transition to the national team came soon after, with Sorensen-McGee being called up for the Black Ferns training camp ahead of the Pacific Four Series. Despite her inexperience, she made an impressive debut, scoring two tries in a win against the Wallaroos in Newcastle. Her dynamic playing style, characterized by speed, footwork, and vision, quickly established her as a key player.

As the Black Ferns prepared for the World Cup in England, Sorensen-McGee’s confidence soared. She expressed initial apprehension, saying, “Obviously being new, I didn’t think I would even be considered for Pac Four.” However, her performance in the tournament was outstanding; she finished as the leading try-scorer with 11 tries and the top points-scorer with 69 points, showcasing her ability to shine under pressure.

Reflecting on her World Cup experience, she remarked, “I obviously wasn’t planning to do any of that… but I kind of made a statement there.” Her contributions helped the Black Ferns reach the semifinals, where they faced Canada.

Following her World Cup success, Sorensen-McGee entered the Black Ferns Sevens circuit just nine weeks later, debuting in the SVNS Series. New Zealand secured a tournament win in Dubai and finished second in Cape Town, marking a promising start to her journey in the shorter format of the game.

As she prepares for the upcoming season, Sorensen-McGee acknowledges the challenges ahead. With the change in Super Rugby Aupiki scheduling from March-April to June-August, she is set to play for the Blues again while also aiming to represent the Black Ferns in future tests. The clash between the Pacific Four Series and the SVNS series poses a scheduling challenge, but she remains focused on her dual commitments.

“We’re still trying to figure it out, really,” she explained. “Just seeing how I feel with sevens, and if I want to take it bigger or just focus on 15s.”

As Sorensen-McGee embarks on a new chapter in her life, relocating to Mt Maunganui for training, the expectations surrounding her continue to grow. “I know there’s a lot of expectations on me,” she said, yet she maintains a grounded perspective. “To be honest, I don’t really think about it that much. Just stay in the present, whatever happened in the past happened.”

Braxton Sorensen-McGee’s journey from a schoolgirl at Auckland Girls’ Grammar to a celebrated star in women’s rugby serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work, self-belief, and the realization of dreams that once seemed out of reach.