New Zealand Teams for 2025 IHF Trophy Oceania Youth and Junior Women’s Championship

New Zealand is Ready to Take on the World

New Zealand Handball Federation (NZHF) is proud to announce the New Zealand teams for the 2025 IHF Trophy Oceania Youth and Junior Women’s Championship.

The tournament serves as the qualification event for the Intercontinental Phase of the IHF Trophy.  This year the tournament will be hosted by Handball Cook Islands in Rarotonga from 13 - 17 October 2025.  There are five nations competing for the Youth (under 17) Championship and six nations for the Junior (under 19) Championship.  For more details about the event including game schedule, livestream and results, go to the NZHF event page - 2025 IHF Trophy.

New Zealand will be participating in both age groups in this Olympic sport.  For more information on New Zealand Youth Women’s Handball - NZ Youth Womens Page

New Zealand Youth Team

Melissa Quinn - Otago, Trinity Catholic College

Charlie Edhouse - Wellington, Hutt Valley High School

Angie Quinn - Otago, Trinity Catholic College

Isla Simonsen - Otago, Trinity Catholic College

Jahlia Laumua (Ngati Toa Rangatira and Ngati Raukawa) - Wellington, Mana College

Therese Tili - Otago, Trinity Catholic College

Anika Franklyn - Otago, Bayfield High School

Kaylea Phillips - Otago, Otago Girls' High School

Izzy Tyer - Christchurch, Cashmere High School

Maddy Brocket - Otago, Blue Mountain College,

Louise Pringot - Cantebury, Cashmere High School

Omea Fitzgerald - Otago, Otago Girls High School

Isabella van den Berg - Canterbury, Villa Maria College

Sophie Waterworth - Otago, Trinity Catholic College

New Zealand Junior Team

Ella Waihi - Wellington, Mana College

Aya Oseki - Otago, Otago University

Mae Bartlett - Canterbury, Southern Health School

Carina Lupse - Canterbury, Ashburton College

Chelsey Moananu - Wellington, Massey University

Anika Park - Wellington, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington

Sophie Growden (Te Ati Awa) - Whakatāne, Whakatāne High School

Leiana Tukia - Waikato, Hamilton Girls High School

Annie McKirdy - Wellington, Queen Margaret College

Brooke Chadwick - Wellington, Mana College

Paige Peterson (Ngapuhi, Ngati Hine, Te Roroa), Waikato, Matamata College

Kaia Hiki (Ngai Tuhoe) - Whakatāne, Whakatāne High School

Kiaarah Wilson (Ngai Tai, Ngati Maniapoto, Waikato Tainui) - Hamilton, Hamilton Girls High School

Ana Matafahi - Manawatū-Whanganui, St Peter's College (Palmerston North)

The teams are led by a delegation headed by Iva Sajdl.  The Youth team is coached by Annalise Wilson and Kristina Hames.  The Junior team by Jill James and Mariel Azcona.

“The IHF Trophy is extremely important for encouraging girls and young women to participate in handball and strive for excellence. Beyond furthering their handball skills and experience, this international competition offers each player, and delegation member, a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and personal development and growth. New Zealand, as part of the Oceania region, is fortunate to receive such generous support from the International Handball Federation (IHF) that makes all of it possible. We are also appreciative of the Oceania Handball Federation leadership and thankful to our friends in the Cook Islands for organising the tournament this year.”

— Iva Sajdl, Head of Delegation

New Zealand Women's Handball Online Presence

New Zealand Handball Federation is proud to announce the creation of a separate online presence for NZ women’s handball. It is fitting that the creation is in line with International Women’s Day.

Visibility fuels growth. A strong online presence for women's handball in New Zealand isn’t just about showcasing talent—it’s about inspiring the next generation, building a community, and proving that women in sport deserve the spotlight. The more we share, the more we grow.

Leanne Dawson - Manager, National Women’s Team

“We are delighted to launch a site dedicated to the achievements and initiatives of our female representative squads. We are excited about how the site has been developed by the women’s leadership group, and the contribution it will make to the ongoing development and success of women’s handball in New Zealand”.

David Ireland - President, New Zealand Handball Federation

For links to NZ Women’s Handball,

Announcing Coaching and Support Team for the Women's National Team

New Zealand Handball Federation is proud to announce the coaching and support team for the Women’s National Team.

Leanne Dawson : Manager 

Emilio Munoz : Strength and conditioning coach

Olivia Hodgson : Massage therapist

Aaron Bell : Media manager / Photographer

Justin Cope : Goalkeeper Coach

Ezer Handelsman : Assistant coach

Cyprien Pesques : Head coach

The team released the following statement.

The New Zealand women's handball staff team comprises a diverse group of volunteers dedicated to the future development of women's handball in NZ.

Cyprien Pesques - Head Coach

Leading the team is Coach Cyprien, who brings extensive experience from his 12-year career playing in France and more recently playing in New Zealand. With over six years of coaching experience in France and two years in New Zealand, Cyprien also holds a master’s degree in physical activity and coaching. Assisting him is Ezer Handelsman, from Israel with international playing experience. Ezer is enthusiastic about sharing his playing expertise and contributing to the team's coaching efforts and the vision for the team. Supporting the coaching staff is Manager, Leanne Dawson, Goalie Coach, Justin Cope, strength and conditioning coach, Emilio Munoz, a physiotherapist, massage therapist, Olivia Hodgson, and media manager, Aaron Bell. Together, they form a support network dedicated to the success and well-being of the women's handball team.

The primary objective of the 4-5 year campaign is to reintroduce New Zealand women onto the global stage of handball, with the aim to secure the team’s first win in an international competition. The ultimate goal is to participate in the World Cup in 2029.

2024 Training Camp

The coaching staff are also dedicated to raising the profile of handball and contributing to the development of local players who are passionate about the sport and capable of competing at an international level. Our primary goal for this year is to create a squad of players committed to improving their indoor high-performance technical and tactical skills. The intent is to foster a supportive and enjoyable learning culture among the team, with 5-6 training camps scheduled over the 2024 year.  

Across New Zealand, we have a small pool of talented individuals who are eager to develop into international-level players. Despite NZ handball having a relatively small pool of active players, the existing players demonstrate great commitment, a strong work ethic and a supportive team culture. The current squad are excited for the up-and-coming campaign,

With the NZ Handball Federation’s commitment to growing handball across NZ, and the introduction of the Handball League Aotearoa to support player development, we will likely see an increase in participation of women playing handball competitively.

Presently handball operates on a self-funded basis, common for minority sports. However, to compete on the international stage effectively, the team needs to establish mechanisms and pathways that provide financial support to playing, ensuring fairness and accessibility across the sport.

2024 Training Camp

EOI for Women's Youth and Junior National Teams

Attention all young and talented women handball players! Here's an exciting opportunity for you to showcase your skills and represent your country on a global stage. The International Handball Federation is hosting the IHF Trophy in late 2023, and we are looking for new and current youth and junior women handball players to join our team.

This is your chance to compete against the best in the world, learn from experienced coaches and players, and make lifelong memories. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, we welcome all skill levels to try out.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to take your handball game to the next level and make your mark on the international stage. Sign up now for a chance to be a part of our team and represent your country with pride.

You will receive an email response to confirm your EOI has been submitted. As we are currently seeking interest there is not a confirmed location for where trials will be held, Coaches and Managers announced shortly.

Deadline to register - 30 April 2023

Players born 1st of Jan 2006 or younger - https://forms.gle/eZKkhHC1bxLEWNyo9

Players born 1st of Jan 2004 or younger - https://forms.gle/7aiV3n1pMKYPoFXb6

Any questions please email high-performance@handball.org.nz