Meet the Mackay teen trio selected to represent Australia

Mackay teens will be jumping between the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany, testing themselves against those countries' best school-level players

Three Mackay players, Claire Colwill, Noah Gauci and Keeley Walker, were sent to Europe to play with the Under-16s Schoolboys and Schoolgirls Australian field hockey teams. 24/05/19. Picture: Aidan Cureton

SPEND some time in Mackay hockey circles and the names Keeley Walker, Noah Gauci and Claire Colwill are sure to arise.

The three Mackay teens jetted to Europe last weekend to play for the All Australian Schoolgirls and Schoolboys touring teams.

Until June 12 they will be jumping between the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany, testing their mettle against the best school-level players those countries have to offer.

The chance to wear the green and gold is something Claire Colwill has seen as an achievable goal since she was selected to the Queensland squad.

Three Mackay players, Claire Colwill, Noah Gauci and Keeley Walker, were sent to Europe to play with the Under-16s Schoolboys and Schoolgirls Australian field hockey teams. Picture: Aidan Cureton

"When I got selected I did see myself as someone with the potential to represent my country,” she said.

"Now I just have to take that on board and show what I've got.”

The road to the international stage was not something easily achieved, Claire said.

"I've been training three times a week on field, another three times a week training fitness and regular strength training at the gym.”

Despite the hours she has sunk into her sport, school still comes first for the St Patrick's College student.

"I think they're worried about my schoolwork,” she said with a laugh.

"But (the school is) definitely behind us on the trip.”

Keeley Walker said the three-week trip might be a bit brief to pick up a new language, but she was excited to explore a new part of the world.

"I think it would be a great experience to soak in the culture, but to also play hockey there for Australia is great,” she said.

"I just want to improve my skills and grow my confidence on field.”

The young mid-fielder said it was a comfort to have a hometown friend, Claire, on the trip with her.

"To have one of my best friends coming overseas with me is really great,” she said. "The flight is probably the thing I'm the least excited about,” she said.

Unlike her teammate, her selection into the Australian squad came as a surprise to Keeley.

"It was a big shock when I got selected. I knew I played well, but not that well,” she said.

"You never expect to make Australia.”

The chance to wear the Aussie strips has given her new confidence to pursue a career in the sport.

"I want to go further now,” Keeley said.

While it is the first time representing Australia for all of the players, it will double as the first overseas trip for Noah Gauci.

"It's going to be an awesome experience, seeing how these different countries play their hockey and getting to play on their facilities,” he said.

"Hopefully there will be no injuries. Fingers crossed. But as well as that I'm just looking for some more improvements, looking at new coaching styles and all that will be pretty awesome.”

Noah also was looking forward to teaming up with players who used to be his opposition.

The star striker, who has dreams of an Olympic appearance, said he was over the moon for his first international experience.

"This is as far as I can make it in school sport, and I'm absolutely stoked knowing this is the top level,” he said.

"Hopefully this prepares me for future tournaments.”

Originally published as Meet the Mackay teen trio selected to represent Australia