Masterminded by Head of Wellbeing, Mr Martin, Kingham Hill’s annual Hockey Awards are a celebration of women’s sport. From pre-season training days with Oxford Hawks, to a week-long tour of Lisbon, and all the fixtures in-between, hockey is a key sport in Michaelmas Term.
This year, the Hill was delighted to welcome guest speaker Sandra Roche to the awards evening on Monday 9th December, to speak with the girls about her journey in hockey, and the benefits of playing sport through school and adult life.
Sandra began playing hockey in Year 7 and later went on to represent her country, Hong Kong. She earned her first international cap at age 18 against China, and has played in the Women’s Hockey Asia Cup and Asian Games. Since then, Sandra has played at the highest club level in England with Surbiton Hockey Club, and now plays for Oxford Hawks.
After school, Sandra made the challenging but exciting decision to up sticks and study in the UK. At the University of Bath, she achieved a BA in Coach Education and Sports Development, made lifelong friends and met her now husband.
“I’ll never forget the moment I boarded the plane on my own.” said Sandra. “In so many ways, this was the toughest period of my life but it was the first time I was truly independent… I’m so glad that I saw it all through, it showed me the real value of grabbing opportunities with both hands.”
Not only is Sandra an inspiring role model on the pitch, she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of sports marketing, events and hospitality. Currently, Sandra is Director at Wasserman, and balances hockey between being a proud mother, the work for which she is passionate and her personal life!
Speaking about her role at Wasserman, Sandra enthused “I am involved in so many aspects of the business and cherish the ability to bring people together for something they together enjoy. We have the opportunity to focus on women’s sport — as a mother to a daughter, this is really exciting.”
To conclude an inspiring opening to the awards evening, Sandra said: “Hockey was a huge part of my life and still is… I love being part of a team, I loved travelling around the country for matches, and it felt like a family, especially as my family was on the other side of the world. It is also about the challenges and belonging to something bigger than yourself.”
“If there’s one thing I've learnt; be curious — keep asking questions and seeking knowledge; be confident — take chances when you have them and know your worth; be humble — stay grounded and have respect for everyone.”
Heeding Sandra’s words, hockey coaches Mrs Juckes, Miss Benson, Mr Elliott, and Mr Martin presented the awards for most improved and most valuable player at Kingham Hill:
U12/13 As
- Most Improved Player: Eliza for her bullet passess and can-do attitude.
- Most Valuable Player: Victoria for her speed off the ball and desire to score.
U12/13 Bs
- Most Improved Player: Jemima for finding her calling as goalkeeper.
- Most Valuable Player: Zoe.
U14s
- Most Improved Player: Hannah for listening to advice and observing what to work on.
- Most Valuable Player: Lois for being a leader on the pitch and dictating the play.
U15s
- Most Improved Player: Alyssa for her dedication and becoming a potent striker.
- Most Valuable Players: Grace and Maud.
2nd Team
- Most Improved Player: Taylor for showing up week on week, learning to read the game and being happy to play out of position.
- Most Valuable Player: Liv for always being happy to help and serve the squad.
1st Team
- Most Improved Player: Mia for her wonderful defending and tenacity.
- Most Valuable Player: Catherine for encouraging others and being a pleasure to coach.
- Captain’s Player: Georgia for her versatility and always having ideas on how the team can improve.
“It is a privilege to be involved in celebrating the success of hockey on the Hill. As teachers and coaches, we are grateful for the effort all the pupils put into training and matches and are thrilled that Kingham Hill Hockey continues to go from strength to strength” concluded Mr Martin.
