Holly covers all Levels in the School Games

Holly’s Hockey journey began at Cheslyn Hay Sport and Community High School in year 8 aged 13, when she was introduced to Hockey by her PE teacher Nicola Ball who sent her to the County trials. Holly’s parents supported her further by looking for a local Hockey Club to develop her talents. She joined Cannock Hockey Club where she flourished rising through the ladies teams and she now plays for Cannock Ladies first team in the Midlands Premier Division. Whilst her playing standard improved she has always given her time freely helping her school with their Hockey practices and games at Level 1, internal matches.

Through Cannock Hockey Club Holly was identified on the talent pathway which ultimately resulted in her selection for the England team at the School Games finals. After two tight pool games where the England Under 17 Red Team only narrowly qualified on goal difference beating Scotland 3-1 but losing to Ulster 0-1, they faced the England Blue Team with 3 minutes to go in a tight game. England Red led 2-1 but Holly popped up to score a vital pressure relieving goal to take the score to 3-1, the Blue Team also letting in a fourth goal on time to secure a School Games Gold Medal for Holly and her team.

In addition to her personal performance sport Holly has volunteered extensively. Two years ago Holly was invited by the South Staffs School Games Organiser, Chris Wood to attend a Quicksticks Leaders course, there she learnt the rudimentary aspects of the game and has for the last 2 years assisted at South Staffs District Quicksticks Level 2 Primary Festivals.  As Cheslyn Hay Sport and Community High School have developed an experienced team of leaders Holly teamed up with Sophie Field, Olivia Edwards and Caitlin Cook to assist with the Level 3 School Games Mini Hockey and Quicksticks Finals at Cannock Hockey Club, giving back to a Sport that she has had such success with.

Holly ‘s immediate ambitions are to get a place at Birmingham University, currently the best Hockey University in the country and perhaps even get to play in the same team as Olympic Gold medallist Lily Owsley. I am sure that with her focus and drive Holly will continue to work hard towards achieving her goals.

Chris Wood
School Games Organiser
M: 07876541730
E: WoodC@cheslynhay-high.staffs.sch.uk