From Cairns to National Spotlight: Ryan Cartwright marks major milestone
Cairns star has taken another giant leap toward his hockey dream.
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Cairns star Ryan Cartwright has taken another giant leap toward his hockey dream.
Cartwright has been recognized as part of the next generation of hockey talent with his selection in the 2024 Men’s National Futures Squads.
Following impressive performances at the Hockey Australia Under-18 Championships, the former Brothers Hockey Club maestro was rewarded for his efforts by former Kookaburra greats Mark Hager and Mark Knowles.
Hager and Knowles, Hockey Australia’s National Athlete Pathway Programs Technical Leads, selected a squad of emerging talent from each state and territory to represent a group of pathway athletes likely to be at their best when the Olympic Games arrive in Brisbane in 2032.
Cartwright, who moved south to Brisbane earlier this year, said he was both surprised and thrilled by the selection.
“It was pretty unexpected but amazing news to hear; it was just an unreal feeling,” he said.
Cartwright is now the second Brothers Hockey gun to be recognized nationally, following in the footsteps of close friend and mentor Jayden Atkinson.
“We’re good mates. I played at the same club as Jayden in both Cairns (Brothers Hockey Club) and in Brisbane now with Bulimba Bulls Hockey Club,” Cartwright said.
“Jayden was someone I always looked up to and aspired to be like. He’s the one who introduced me to Bulimba and I got to speak with him just before I went away for the Hockey Australia Under-18 Championships. He said it was a really good achievement to make the future squad, and now he’s gone on to represent the Kookaburras. I guess it was a bit of inspiration for me, and now I’ve made the side.”
Cartwright first picked up a hockey stick at five years old, going head-to-head with his father. The midfielder then began playing locally at Brothers Hockey Club and said the club culture had a huge influence on pushing his hockey talents to another level. The 18-year-old, who is both a strong competitor and a perfectionist at times, said he tries to make the game simple.
“I try not to overcomplicate my game, and I think when you start to get to the higher levels, that’s what coaches look for,” Cartwright said. “Being able to do the basics right consistently is something I’ve always focused on. I’m now trying to be a bit more dynamic, beating players, shooting, and scoring. I’m more of a pass-first player who defends well in midfield, but now I’m focusing on the other side of the game as well.”
Originally published as From Cairns to National Spotlight: Ryan Cartwright marks major milestone
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