Georgia Rye one of six Mackay hockey players selected for U15s Qld squad

An inspiring mother and a hardworking attitude has helped a young Mackay sensation secure a place in the Queensland squad.

An up-and-coming Mackay hockey star is one step closer to reaching her childhood dream of representing her state after a recent squad selection.

Souths half Georgia Rye was one of six players from the region to make the squad, with Nicholas Searle, Flynn Steindl, Laura Camilleri, Isabel Miles and Ebony Temple also selected.

Despite making the squad, Rye said she was not initially excited about the news.

“It was a few days after the trial period had finished when the list came out,” she said.

“I wasn’t too excited at the time because we had just finished playing a lot of hockey and I’d had enough for that week, but as the weeks went on I got more and more excited about getting picked.

“As a child I’ve always wanted to make a Queensland team, so I’m really proud I’ve made the squad.”

Rye began her playing days at just five years old, when her mother Chantelle Rye would take her to the hockey fields during her games.

Rye said her mum was a big influence on her growing up.

“Mum was more of a club player, but she is very competitive and still plays now,” she said.

“I like playing hockey more than watching, so I look up to players at my club.

“I look up to mum, definitely, she introduced me to the sport when I was young.”

As a centre half, Rye’s versatility is a major asset for her team Souths, with the prodigy starting in all 16 of her A2 grade matches, and eight games in A1.

She said it was good to get recognition for her strong season in 2021.

“I love playing with my indoor and outdoor teams at Souths, everyone in the two teams are the best,” Rye said.

“I made the Capricornia team in my under-10s and under-12s years, and I also made the president’s team one year as well, which was all really exciting.

“I don’t think hockey is a career path, at least not yet, but it’s a lot of fun to play.”