Merry hangs up her stick

• Published date: 19 April 2024
• Publication title: Sports Tab

Merry, 32, scored 128 goals in 284 games in an international career that began against India in 2012

She holds the record for most goals by a New Zealand women’s player, and is second behind longtime team-mate Stacey Michelsen (296) for number of international caps.

Merry represented New Zealand at two Olympic Games, in Rio and Tokyo, and was part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning side, also winning bronze in 2014 in Glasgow.

Merry’s retirement comes three months after the Black Sticks women failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

She described her career as a journey of dedication, passion, and perseverance.

‘‘From the early days of training with some of my idols, to competing at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, I’ve poured my heart and soul into the black shirt.

‘‘As with any journey there are always challenges and setbacks, but also amazing wins and highs, which I believe has moulded me into the person I am today.’’

Merry was a fearsome player in the circle and was the leading scorer for the first four seasons of the FIH Pro League. She was nominated for the world player of the year title in 2019.

In 2022, she was New Zealand’s co-captain at both the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup, at which...