This is the second time that Cavanagh has won a Player of the Month award, last winning for Celtic Women back in May 2018. She becomes the first SWPL player to win the award for two different clubs.
In the month of September, Hibernian won three out of four games including a historic victory over Edinburgh rivals, Heart of Midlothian, in front of a domestic record crowd at Easter Road.
Cavanagh, playing a more attacking role so far this season, scored two goals in September in combination with her high work-rate and determination. Her abilities were displayed most clearly when she won the ball back before a wonder strike against Celtic in a narrow 2-1 loss.
I feel like I’ve started the season strongly and there is great feeling within the team.
Colette Cavanagh
Speaking from Easter Road, Cavanagh said: “I’m thrilled to win this award for September. I feel like I’ve started the season strongly and there is great feeling within the team. I certainly believe I’m playing some of the best football of my career.
“It’s nice to be recognised again for my performances in the SWPL having won the award a few years ago now. I’m here for success with Hibernian though, so winning games is the most important thing for me as a player."
Hibernian head coach, Dean Gibson, praised Cav's contribution to the team: "This award is fully deserved for Cav. She has had a fantastic start to the season, contributing well with goals and assists but there is so much more to her game.
"She is a real team player who is getting better and better every time she plays. Not many will know but we could have lost her this season, but her staying and signing a new contract showed a great deal of loyalty and commitment. It was as important a signing as any we could have made.
"Hopefully it’s starting to be justified with the recognition she’s now receiving individually, with the Scotland set up in her sights. She’s becoming a real all-rounded player.”
Aileen Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Women’s Football, said: “I’d like to congratulate both Colette (Cavanagh) and Rachel (Todd) on winning the first Player of the Month awards for the 2021/22 season and say well done to all nominees.
“Both SWPL 1 and SWPL 2 have been highly entertaining and it’s shaping up to be, yet again, the most competitive season we’ve ever had within the women’s game. These awards are testament to the hard work and dedication of the players involved.
“I’m also delighted that Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) will recognise both an SWPL 1 and SWPL 2 Player of the Month going forward. We feel it’s a positive development for the players, coaches, fans, and leagues for the 2021/22 season and beyond.
Nominated for the SWPL 1 award was Charlie Wellings (Celtic Women) and Eilidh Shore (Aberdeen Women) while Lucy Ronald (Glasgow Women) and Samantha Duncan (Boroughmuir Thistle) were nominated for the SWPL 2 award.
