The Speirs Connection

A Trophy Through Time: The Speirs Connection in Manawatu Women’s Tennis

In 1927, May Speirs stood proudly in her tennis whites, clutching a racket and surrounded by silverware after winning the Manawatu Women’s Residential Championships. Among her trophies was a large silver cup—one that still holds pride of place in the region’s tennis history.

Fast forward nearly a century to 2025, and Keira Speirs claimed victory in the very same event. Her photo tells a different story: modern gear, sneakers, and a confident smile. But one thing remains unchanged—the same silver trophy, held by both women generations apart.

Whether May and Keira are related is unknown, but their shared surname, achievement, and connection to that enduring trophy offer a beautiful reminder of the legacy of women’s tennis in the Manawatu. From long skirts and such different opportunities for women to today’s dynamic sporting landscape, this story quietly celebrates the women who’ve shaped the game—then and now.

It’s moments like these that remind us how history lives on in the details, and how sport continues to connect us both in present time and across time.