Breakout Star Braxton Sorensen-McGee Reflects on Stunning 2025

In an extraordinary rise to prominence, Braxton Sorensen-McGee has emerged as a standout talent in women’s rugby, culminating in a remarkable 2025 season. The young athlete, who was once focused on pursuing a career in education, has transformed into a powerhouse for the Black Ferns, earning multiple accolades along the way.

Reflecting on her whirlwind year, Sorensen-McGee shared her initial aspirations during an interview with the Sunday Star-Times. Just over a year ago, she was balancing her studies at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School while preparing for a potential career as an early childhood teacher. “My plan was to do Blues in the first part of the year and then go study the second part of the year,” she recalled. However, her unexpected ascent in rugby quickly shifted her focus.

A Stellar Season

With a string of impressive performances, the 19-year-old athlete was named the World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, as well as receiving the Junior Māori Sportswoman of the Year and Black Ferns Player of the Year awards. This collection of accolades has certainly changed the atmosphere at her family home in Auckland, where she now has a prestigious array of trophies to display.

“I had a lot of trophies from league, so I’ve just moved those aside,” she joked, referring to her previous sports achievements in rugby league, a sport that runs in her family. Sorensen-McGee turned down a development contract with the Warriors, opting instead to pursue a career in rugby union, a decision that has proven fruitful.

Her journey began in earnest in 2020 when she first took up rugby during her high school years, eventually excelling in the Farah Palmer Cup for Auckland. By 2025, she had made her mark in the Super Rugby Aupiki, where her standout moment came with a long-range try that helped secure the championship for the Blues.

Following her Aupiki success, Sorensen-McGee received a call-up to the Black Ferns training camp ahead of the Pacific Four Series. To her surprise, she was selected for the squad and made a memorable debut against the Wallaroos, scoring two tries that cemented her status at the international level.

World Cup Triumphs

With her remarkable skills, including speed, footwork, and vision, Sorensen-McGee was a natural choice for the Black Ferns’ squad for the World Cup in England. Despite the team’s semifinal exit against Canada, Sorensen-McGee shone brightly, finishing the tournament as the leading try-scorer with 11 tries and the top points-scorer with 69 points.

“I obviously wasn’t planning to do any of that… but I kind of made a statement there. It was pretty special, and I’m still speechless,” Sorensen-McGee said.

Her swift rise to fame has not only elevated her profile but also inspired countless young athletes. “It’s pretty cool” to see aspiring players approach her, many expressing a desire to emulate her success. Her teammates affectionately call her “Baby,” a nod to her age, yet they also recognize her maturity and composure on the field.

In a further testament to her versatility, Sorensen-McGee transitioned to the Black Ferns Sevens team just nine weeks after her World Cup debut. She played in the SVNS Series in Dubai and Cape Town, contributing to New Zealand’s victory in the former and a runner-up finish in the latter. This shift was part of a hybrid contract designed to allow her to excel in both formats of the game.

Looking ahead to 2026, Sorensen-McGee is aware of the expectations that come with her newfound status. “I know there’s a lot of expectations on me,” she acknowledged. Despite this pressure, she remains focused on her performance and development, emphasizing the importance of staying present and continuing to enjoy the sport.

As she prepares for the upcoming seasons, including a return to the Blues for the Super Rugby Aupiki and further commitments with the Black Ferns, Sorensen-McGee is also planning to relocate to Mt Maunganui, the sevens training base. This transition marks another step in her evolving career, and with her impressive trajectory, it is clear that the world of rugby will be watching closely.

Braxton Sorensen-McGee’s remarkable achievements in 2025 are a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination. The journey from a schoolgirl to a rugby star is just beginning, and her story is one that will continue to inspire many.