The next generation of hockey stars on the Sunshine Coast revealed
The next generation of Sunshine Coast rising hockey stars, who could enter professional scene with a bang, have been identified following their state squad selections. See what they had to say!
Sunshine Coast
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Sunshine Coast’s rising hockey stars are set to showcase their skills in Brisbane this weekend as they vie for selection in the Queensland Under-16.
Following standout performances at the State Championships in September 2024, five female and two male players from the region earned spots in the wider Queensland Under-16 squads.
The 60-player squad, featuring talent from the Gold Coast to Cairns, will soon be narrowed down into two final teams.
Those selected will have the honour of wearing the Queensland maroon at the Australian Championships in Adelaide from March 31 to April 7.
Junior state selector, Queensland head coach and Sunshine Coast local Tracey Jackson said she was eager to see what the players have learnt over the past four months.
“My role was to help select the squad that we will narrow down at the Queensland trials this weekend,” she said.
“What I’m hoping to see is the players picked have gone away, improved their game and their fitness and are a different type of player to what we saw at the State Championships.
“We want them to make our job really difficult.”
Jackson said she hoped the players could present strong all-round qualities.
“It’s not just about flair, it’s about being smart, team focused, having the fitness and the speed, looking for opportunities and having skill on top of that,” she said.
Ahead of this weekend, this masthead caught up with each junior star to find out how they were feeling, why they love the sport and their future aims.
U16 Boys
Lachlan Groves
Age: 15
School: Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Local club: East Coast Waves
Groves is a multi-sport talent that has also starred in the soccer, futsal and cross country arena.
Despite it being his first time in the Queensland squad he was excited to soak up as much as he could.
“I know it will be a step up so hopefully I get selected but I’m most excited for the learning experience that comes with it,” he said.
“It will be cool to get to know the coaches, the other players and see how I can improve.”
Callum Taylor
Age: 16
School: Good Samaritan Catholic College
Local club: Nambour Blue Demons
Taylor wasn’t putting any pressure on himself ahead of the trials, explaining he just wanted to soak up as much information as possible.
“I don’t have any expectations, I’m just wanting to go and do my best,” he said.
“Hopefully I can improve my skills and knowledge of the game going into the new season.
“It will be good to meet new players, make some new mates and play at a higher standard within my age group.”
Claire Walsh
Age: 15
School: Siena Catholic College
Local club: Buderim Rebels
A star on the rise, Walsh has been playing hockey for four years but only made the switch goalkeeper two seasons ago.
He said he was tasked to fill-in for a few matches while his teams regular keeper was away but enjoyed it so much he’s remained in goal ever since.
Last season he was selected in the Queensland under-14 side that competed at the Australian Championships in Perth.
“It was a really fun experience, I was a part of the goalkeeper clinic which taught me so much,” he said.
“The games as well were great, especially travelling and playing in a new area.”
Walsh said he hoped to continue his trajectory as he eyed Queensland selection for the under-16 squad at the end of the year.
Despite his success guarding the net, Walsh interestingly enough plays as a striker for his school football team.
U16 Girls
Mackenna Plant
Age: 15
School: Narangba Valley SHS
Local club: Nambour Blue Demons
Plant, who has been playing hockey for 10 years, said she was eager to
“This would be my first time at the trials so I know it will be tough but I’m excited to have a new experience,” she said.
“It would be cool to make the side but hopefully I meet some new people and make some new friends.”
Taylor Graham
Age: 16
School: Burnside SHS
Local club: Nambour Blue Demons
“I’ve been playing hockey since I was five-years-old and I just enjoy having fun and playing with my friends,” she said.
“This will be my first time in the Queensland squad but I’m excited to see what it’s like.
“It will be nice to meet new people, make some new friends and see what I can learn from the coaches.”
Lucy Rae
Age: 15
School: Siena Catholic College
Local club: Buderim Rebels
This is Rae’s inaugural Queensland squad selection but said she was eager to learn as much as possible across the three days.
“It would be great to make the final team but I’m looking forward to improving my skills and becoming more confident in my game,” she said.
“I’ve been playing hockey for eight years so I’m expecting the trials to be a challenge but it will also be a cool experience.”
Sarah Chilton
Age: 15
School: Chancellor State College
Local club: Nambour Blue Demons
Along with hockey Chilton also plays touch football and competes in Cross Country as she enjoys keeping active.
She’s been playing hockey for six years and was looking forward to the coming days.
“It will be good to catch up with old friends, meet new people, have fun and learn some new skills,” she said.
“I expect to leave nothing in the tank and need a really long sleep afterwards.
“I’m really looking forward to our traditional Krispy Kreme doughnuts on the last day on our way home.”
Belle Jackson
Age: 15
School: Sunshine Beach State High School
Local club: Maroochydore Hockey Club
Jackson has been playing hockey since she was five-years-old and also enjoys rugby league and surf life saving.
The rising star said she was looking forward to the trials.
“I’m excited to learn from different coaches that I’ve never met before,” she said.
“It will also be nice to be back with all of my friends from around Queensland.”
Demi Mills
Age: 14
School: Suncoast Christian College
Local club: Nambour Blue Demons
Another younger player, Mills represented the Queensland under-14 side at the Australian Championships in Perth in 2024.
She said it was an enjoyable experience and hoped to push for selection again for the under-16 squad later in the year.
“It was fun, I think it’s getting better with the coaches helping the younger players coming through, she said.
“There’s more opportunity for us to improve our skills.”
Mills said her aim for 2025 was to be selected in the under 13-15 regional and state schoolgirls team.
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