Shaniece Monschau, a proud Waitākere College alumna, has been named in the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns squad for the 2025 Pacific Championships - a monumental step in her career.  
Shaniece, a powerhouse second-rower, honed her skills in local leagues before exploding onto the professional scene with the Canterbury Bulldogs in NRLW this year. Versatile enough to slot into any position in the forward pack, she became a fixture in the Bulldogs' starting lineup during their inaugural NRLW campaign, showcasing the kind of relentless drive that earned her spots in the Auckland Rugby League Women's Team of the Year in 2021 and 2023. 

Adding an extra layer of inspiration, Shaneice returned to Waitākere College today to address the Year 11 assembly, sharing her journey and delivering a special highlight: presenting international caps to two exceptional Year 13 students who have earned spots on New Zealand representative teams this year.

In a heartfelt address, Shaneice reflected on her formative years at Waitākere College, discussing the hurdles she overcame—from early doubts to professional setbacks—and the manawanui that propelled her forward. She urged the students to seize every opportunity in high school, reminding them, "You never know what your true calling will be—embrace it all."

The assembly's peak came as Shaneice personally honoured the duo's achievements:

• Azaria Williams received her New Zealand Age Group Sporting Representative Cap for her selection in the New Zealand U21 Mixed Tag team.
• Jaden Lauvale was awarded her New Zealand Age Group Sporting Representative Cap for her selection in the New Zealand Māori U18 Girls Rugby team.

Shaniece was also presented with a New Zealand International Sporting Representative Waitākere College Cap.

These presentations not only celebrated the students' hard-earned successes but also underscored the school's role in nurturing future stars, with Monschau's visit serving as a powerful reminder that pathways to greatness often begin right in the classroom. As the Kiwi Ferns gear up for the Pacific Championships, Waitākere College couldn't be prouder of its students—past and present.