Sport Hawke's Bay is proud to recognise Isaac Cox as the recipient of the 2025 Sport Hawke's Bay Outstanding Achievement Award, presented to the top graduating student in EIT's Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science programme.

The award acknowledges academic excellence, commitment to learning, and the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the sport, recreation, health and wellbeing sector.

Isaac's achievement highlights not only his dedication throughout his studies, but also the positive impact he is already having within the Hawke's Bay community. Since completing his degree, Isaac has secured employment with Arena Fitness, where he delivers programmes, coaches group fitness classes, and supports people of all ages and abilities to move well, build strength and confidence, and push their personal limits. This work reflects his passion for helping others lead healthier and more active lives.

Sport Hawke's Bay Chief Executive Ryan Hambleton said the award demonstrates the strength of the long-standing partnership between Sport Hawke's Bay and EIT, which has seen outstanding graduates recognised for more than a decade.

"We have enjoyed a strong and enduring relationship with EIT for many years, and it is always a privilege to recognise students who have demonstrated excellence throughout their studies."

"One of the things we value most about this award is seeing graduates go on to make a real difference in our communities. Isaac is a great example of someone who has taken the knowledge and skills developed through his studies and is now helping people improve their health, wellbeing and confidence through physical activity."

"Each year we are inspired by the calibre of graduates coming through EIT's Sport and Exercise Science programme, and we are delighted to celebrate Isaac's success and the positive contribution he is already making in Hawke's Bay."

“What excites me most about Isaac's achievement is not just the qualification he has earned, but the impact he is already having. We need passionate, skilled people working in our communities to inspire others to be active, healthy and connected. Isaac is already doing that, and I have no doubt he has a bright future ahead of him."

Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Isaac continues to pursue his passion for basketball at a high level as a member of the Hawke's Bay Hawks. Looking ahead, he hopes to combine his knowledge of sport and exercise science with his love of the game by supporting the development and performance of basketball players, while also continuing to challenge himself on the court. This combination of academic achievement, professional ambition and sporting excellence reflects the bright future ahead for one of Hawke's Bay's emerging sport and wellbeing leaders

The Sport Hawke's Bay Outstanding Achievement Award has been presented to leading graduates from the programme for more than ten years and reflects a shared commitment between Sport Hawke's Bay and EIT to developing the next generation of leaders within the sport, recreation, health and wellbeing sector.

Recent recipients of the award have also gone on to build successful careers within the sector. 2023 recipient Mel Goodchild is now a valued member of the Sport Hawke's Bay team, while 2024 recipient Michael Bush has secured employment with EIT. Their success, alongside Isaac's, highlights the quality of graduates emerging from the programme and the opportunities available within Hawke's Bay for those enthusiastic about helping communities become more active, healthy and connected.

Issac Cox said “I’m very honoured and grateful to receive the 2025 Sport Hawke’s Bay Outstanding Achievement Award. I’m incredibly appreciative of the support and guidance from my tutors and mentors at EIT over the past few years. I’ve learned so much throughout my degree and I hope to carry the skills and habits they’ve taught me into my future to better myself as an athlete, strength coach, trainer and person.”

Eastern Institute of Technology Executive Dean, Helen Ryan-Stewart said “we are incredibly proud of Isaac's achievement. He has combined academic excellence with a genuine commitment to helping others, and his success reflects the positive impact our graduates can have in Hawke's Bay and beyond.”

"EIT continues to produce graduates who are making a positive impact across our region, and I'd encourage school leavers who are passionate about helping people, improving wellbeing and being involved in sport and recreation to explore the pathways available through study at EIT." adds Hambleton

"We want to see talented young people stay and build their futures here in Hawke's Bay. The success of graduates like Isaac, Mel and Michael shows that local study can lead to meaningful careers that strengthen our communities and contribute to a thriving sport and recreation sector.

“Isaac's journey demonstrates what is possible when talent, hard work and education come together. Through EIT he has developed the knowledge and skills to build a career in the sport and wellbeing sector, while his involvement with the Hawke's Bay Hawks shows the value of continuing to strive for excellence as an athlete. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and look forward to seeing the impact he has on both the fitness industry and the basketball community in the years ahead”

Through its long-standing partnership with EIT, Sport Hawke's Bay remains committed to celebrating excellence, supporting emerging talent, and helping grow the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of sport, recreation and wellbeing across Hawke's Bay.

Article added: Tuesday 25 August 2026