Jessica Milicich is AUT's Sportsperson of the Year

Jessica Milicich, goalkeeper for the New Zealand Women’s Water Polo team and Marist’s Magic Women, has been named Sportsperson of the Year at AUT’s sports awards for her achievements in the pool.

From AUT University News:

59 AUT students from disciplines ranging from water polo to film directing had their successes celebrated at the 2019 AUT Blue Awards on Thursday 10 October.

This is the second year the awards have celebrated both sporting and art and culture successes, with the awards AUT Māori Athlete of the Year and AUT Junior Sportsperson of the Year introduced for the first time.

AUT established the awards to honour students who compete beyond their studies at the top level in their chosen sport, art or culture, while maintaining high academic achievement.

Head of School – Sport & Recreation Professor Erica Hinckson welcomed the students and their families and discussed celebrating success in the AUT community, with Vice President of AUTSA Angelica Tovia also addressing the crowd.

New Zealand Olympian Sarah Cowley Ross MC’d the event, and the audience also heard from guest speaker New Zealand basketball player Dillon Boucher.

The awards ceremony culminated with the presentation of six major awards – AUT Artistic Performance of the Year, AUT Female Athlete of the Year, AUT Male Athlete of the Year, Māori Athlete of the Year, AUT Junior Sportsperson of the Year and AUT Sportsperson of the Year.

AUT Sportsperson of the Year: Jessica Milicich – Water Polo

Jessica was a member of the NZ Women’s Water Polo Team who placed 7th at the FINA World Cup, 7th at the FINA Intercontinental World Cup, and 12th at the FINA World Championships.

Jessica captained the team for both the World League and the World Championships in 2019.

Jessica is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation and has maintained an A grade average over the past 12 months.