One Dayellup teen has shown she has what it takes to go all the way, after being hand selected to play hockey in the International FHE Cup.
As the only female West Australian hockey player to be picked by the Victorian Ciriello Coaching Academy, Dalyellup College student Rachael Dowling said being called up for the tournament was a dream come true.
“When I got the opportunity to do this, it was from a good friend who had been my coach for the South West league, which is the highest grade in the region,” she said.
“He is really good friends with the owner of the Ciriello Coaching Academy who got in touch and they wanted people from WA.
“They reached out to me and I took the opportunity.”
Rachael has been playing hockey since she was six years old and said she trained everyday due to the physical demands of the sport.
“I do stick every day and then running as well,” she said.
“It’s a team sport and you’re playing with everyone, it’s really nice.”
Rachael plays both in attack and defence, and said her ultimate goal would be to one day play for Australia.
“I’m looking at going for the South West Strikers in a couple of years,” she said.
“I’m really excited I think we have a really strong team and a great coach.”
Competing in the tournament from November 22 to 25, Ciriello placed fifth overall.
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