Netherlands captain Maartje Paumen and Black Sticks midfielder Stacey Michelsen, who yesterday were named as the FIH Player and Young Player of the Year for 2011, have both expressed their delight at being honoured by their fellow international players.
Paumen was genuinely moved by getting the recognition from her peers in winning the FIH Player of the Year title, saying that it was a “real honour” to win the prize. “Last year was a great one for me, and I am really happy”, said the 26-year-old, who led her team back to the top of the FIH World Rankings in 2011 following tournament wins at the EuroHockey Nations Championships and the Rabo FIH Champions Trophy.
Like Paumen, New Zealand’s Stacey Michelsen was clearly stunned to win such the prestigious Young Player prize. “I’m pretty excited about winning this award… I really didn’t expect it,” said the modest 20-year-old, who has become the first New Zealander to win an FIH Player of the Year title. “It is a big surprise to me, but I am thrilled.”
The two winners were presented with their prizes at the Argentina FIH Champions Trophy in Rosario by FIH President Leandro Negre following Thursday's Quarter Final meeting between The Netherlands and New Zealand, a match which featured both players in action. The Netherlands emerged as 3-0 winners in the contest, with Paumen putting her mark on the game with a typically accurate penalty corner conversion in the 41st minute.
The announcement of the two winners proved to be a hugely popular one amongst the players of The Netherlands and New Zealand, with both teams cheering and hugging the newly crowned FIH Players of the Year in recognition of their wonderful achievements.
The FIH would like to congratulate both Maartje Paumen and Stacey Michelsen on winning their awards.
