Yesterday, the Sports Department were delighted to welcome Sarah Jones, Great Britain and Wales international hockey player, to Hurst.
Sarah, who is currently part of the squad training for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, offered inspirational advice and tips to our Prep and Senior school hockey players, who were very excited to speak to and be coached by a senior international hockey player.
She spent time with all ages and abilities, beginning with Years 5 and 6 playing House Hockey, then moved onto Year 7 before heading over to the Senior School to speak individually with some of our aspiring athletes. The Upper Sixth girls were given the opportunity to demonstrate some of their goal scoring prowess with technical advice from Sarah; the Fifth Form received information on how to deal with trials, the pressures and how best to show their strengths; and Sarah finished off her visit by watching the Lower Sixth house competition, as well as providing tips and answering questions in between the closely fought matches.
Pupils and staff were fascinated to hear about Sarah’s journey, including her setbacks and the ways in which she has dealt with her pathway from club to Wales to Great Britain.
“ Our pupils have been exceptionally well engaged over the last 14 weeks and really appreciated something a little different to the norm. We look forward to seeing Sarah at Hurst again soon and hopefully on the main stage at the Tokyo Olympics ” Scott Simkins, Hockey Development & Performance Manager