Lee Morton and Sophie Hamilton were awarded men’s and women’s players of the year for 2024 at the Hockey Writers’ Club 41st annual awards on Friday.
Morton, 29, won the prestigious award for the first time after a superb year for club and country as he became the first Scottish player since Alan Forsyth in 2018 to win the annual award.
Glaswegian Morton, a left-sided attacking player, formed part of a successful Old Georgians team in the men’s Premier Division and starred for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics, notably scoring a double against the Netherlands in the pool stages.
Morton, who currently plays in the world-class Dutch league with Amsterdam and recently played in the Hockey India League, said: “I’m very delighted to win the award after a successful season for myself.
“It is great to get recognition from those outside that write and watch hockey and that’s something special so I am over the moon.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton won the women’s award for the first time after being a consistent force in the world game in recent seasons.
The 23-year-old starred for Surbiton at the league finals as she scored the winning goal to see the champions to their ninth title in the last 10 seasons.
She has proved herself one of the rising stars in world hockey with GB women with her midfield playmaking skills.
Hamilton recently starred for Soorma HC in the Hockey India League where her franchise finished runners-up.
The HWC said: “Her exceptional playmaking abilities and consistent performances have distinguished her as a standout player in international competitions.
“The Hockey Writers’ Club extends its heartfelt congratulations to both Lee Morton and Sophie Hamilton for their remarkable contributions to the sport. Their dedication and excellence continue to inspire the hockey community.”
