Kearney (20), who also won the supreme award in 2012, was named Sportsperson of the Year before being crowned Waitaki's top sports star last night at the Oamaru Opera House in front of a crowd of 120 award nominees, special guests and event sponsors.
As a member of the New Zealand under-23 quad, Kearney last year brought home a silver medal from the World Championships in Italy.
She was also the first Oamaru rower in more than 50 years to be presented with a ''red coat'' as a member of the winning premier eight at the national championships.
Sport Waitaki co-ordinator and event organiser Kate Holland said the awards celebration was a night to recognise not only the finalists and winners, but the achievements of all sports people in the district.
Top coach of 2014 went to Kurt Rooney and Justin Fowler, who led the St Kevin's College 1st XV to its best season in years.
St Kevin's rugby scored a double win, as the 1st XV was also named team of the year.
In 2014, St Kevin's College 1st XV won the South Island secondary schools co-educational tournament, which they backed up with a fourth placing at the national competition.
The athlete with a disability award went to Emma Paton for her achievements in table tennis and indoor soccer.
Paton was recently crowned New Zealand deaf sportswoman of the year.
Swimmer Isobel Ryan won the junior sportswoman award.
In 2014, Ryan won three gold and three silver medals at the New Zealand short course championships and set five Otago records. Ryan has also secured herself a scholarship to Wyoming University.
Junior sportsman of the year went to motocross rider Joel Meikle.
The emerging talent award went to Bree Louden for her achievements in squash, touch, basketball and netball.
Masters athlete of the year was won by long-distance and ultra runner Val Muskett, of Hampden, for her achievements on the international stage.
