Braxton Sorensen-McGee Reflects on Breakout Year in Rugby

New Zealand rugby star Braxton Sorensen-McGee has experienced a remarkable transformation over the past year, culminating in a series of prestigious accolades. Despite her success, the 19-year-old player admits she had one personal goal that fell by the wayside: pursuing her studies. “I kind of wanted to study,” she shared in an interview with the Sunday Star-Times, reflecting on her incredible journey through 2025.

Just over a year ago, Sorensen-McGee was preparing for exams at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, with aspirations of becoming an early childhood teacher. Her plans included playing for the Blues in the Super Rugby Aupiki before commencing her studies. “But then obviously Black Ferns came and then I just went straight into that,” she explained. This unexpected turn of events led to a season that would change her life forever.

A Year of Triumphs and Achievements

2025 saw Sorensen-McGee excel in her rugby career, earning the titles of 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 achievements have left a significant mark on her family home in Auckland, where she now shares space with numerous trophies.

“I had a lot of trophies from league, so I’ve just moved those aside, and put my brother’s in the bathroom,” she quipped, referencing her past success in rugby league, a sport that runs deep in her family. Sorensen-McGee declined a development contract from the Warriors to pursue her rugby career in union, a decision that has proven to be well-justified.

Reflecting on her rapid rise, she stated, “It’s been pretty unreal.” Sorensen-McGee began playing rugby in 2020 while on a league scholarship and quickly made her mark in the Farah Palmer Cup with Auckland. Her breakout season in 2025 included a stunning long-range try in the Super Rugby Aupiki final against Matatū and a two-try performance in the Super Rugby Champions final against the Waratahs.

Impressive Debut and World Cup Glory

Following her impressive performances, Sorensen-McGee received a call-up to the Black Ferns training camp ahead of the Pacific Four Series. She was initially unsure about being selected, stating, “Obviously being new, I didn’t think I would even be considered for Pac Four.” However, she quickly proved her worth by scoring two tries in her debut against the Wallaroos in Newcastle.

Her skills, including speed, footwork, and vision, secured her a spot in the World Cup squad. Despite the Black Ferns’ semifinal exit to Canada, Sorensen-McGee shone brightly, finishing as the tournament’s leading try-scorer with 11 tries and 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,” she remarked.

As she looks back on her journey, Sorensen-McGee emphasizes the importance of self-belief. “It’s just believing in yourself and just having the confidence to know that you’re good enough,” she noted. Inspired by her journey, many young athletes now approach her with aspirations of following in her footsteps.

Known affectionately as “Baby” by her teammates, she has demonstrated maturity beyond her years, managing expectations while remaining focused on her performance. Sorensen-McGee is now facing a new challenge as she transitions to the Black Ferns Sevens. Just nine weeks after her World Cup journey, she debuted in the SVNS Series, contributing to New Zealand’s victory in Dubai and a second-place finish in Cape Town.

Initially signed for the Sevens format, she has now secured a hybrid contract with New Zealand Rugby, allowing her to balance both formats. Looking ahead to 2026, Sorensen-McGee plans to play for the Blues while also aiming to represent the Black Ferns. Despite the challenges of overlapping competitions, she remains focused.

“We’re still trying to figure it out, really, just seeing how I feel with sevens, and if I want to take it bigger or just focus on 15s,” she explained. As she prepares for a busy year, which includes relocating to Mt Maunganui for Sevens training, she acknowledges the attention her achievements have garnered.

“I know there’s a lot of expectations on me,” Sorensen-McGee said. “To be honest, I don’t really think about it that much. Just stay in the present, whatever happened in the past happened.” As she continues to rise in the world of rugby, her journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes around the globe.