Named: Top Gold Coast junior hockey players

They’re the Gold Coast’s best young hockey stars who are about to be guided by a former Olympian. Meet the future stars of Gold Coast hockey.

Camryn Mathison is a talented young hockey player that is the face of our 'best junior hockey players' yarn. 16-year-old Camryn is a possible future Hockeyroo. 3 November 2022 Labrador Picture by Richard Gosling

The future of Gold Coast’s brightest hockey stars is in safe hands with a former Olympian appointed as the new regional coaching director at Gold Coast Hockey.

Lloyd Madsen is a former professional hockey player who has over 90 caps with team South Africa, including at the 2012 London Olympics, and has set himself the mission to improve the standard of hockey across the Coast.

South African defender Lloyd Madsen (left) and Austin Smith (right) attempt to block Australia's hockey team's midfielder Matthew Butturini during the preliminary round men's field hockey match of the London 2012 Olympic Games between Australia and South Africa in London on July 30, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ INDRANILMUKHERJEE

“What I see in my life purpose, if I can help grow the game on the Gold Coast but more importantly improve the level of play, and individuals and teams on the Gold Coast, I feel that’s something I’d like to achieve,” Madsen said.

“It’s really exciting just already seeing the talent that’s on display here.

“There’s exceptional talent around here and I’m really looking forward to having a small role in improving hockey players in Gold Coast.”

One athlete ready to absorb as much as she can from Madsen is 16-year-old Camryn Mathison, who has hopes she too might reach the Olympics.

Mathison comes from a hugely successful hockey family, with sister Lindsay a former US College player, sister Morgan a Brisbane Blaze player, and brother Will an U21 Australian squad member — but the youngest Mathison is ready to pave her own path.

“I grew up around hockey fields, hitting around with my brother and sisters and watched mum and dad play and now they coach me.

Mathison first picked up a hockey stick at age four in Gladstone, but said it wasn’t love at first hit.

“I actually didn’t want to play hockey, I went to hockey screaming and crying and then after I liked it, so I was kind of forced into it,” she said.

“Everyone would love to play for the Hockeyroos, but I’ll just see where it takes me.

“I just love playing with my friends, it’s good to just get out and have a hit and learn new things, I love it.”

Mathison practicing at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre. Picture: Richard Gosling

Mathison’s resume speaks for itself with Queensland rep honours for both Schoolgirls and Hockey Queensland, Australian Schoolgirls honours and she’s part of the Australia Futures squad.

Mathison was also awarded player of the tournament at the U18 Gold Coast State Champions and even though she’s 16, is a shadow for the Queensland U21 side.

But despite her sibling’s success and own incredible accolades, Mathison said she was only feeling the pressure a “little bit”.

“I just want to do my best, it’s good watching them play a higher level so I can learn stuff off them.”

Mathison said she was excited to be coached by someone with the experience of Madsen, who said the Australian team were always to be “feared” when South Africa came up against them.

“(The Australian team) were world class. Some of the (Australian) teams I came up against were among the best in the world, they won the World Cup (in 2010 and 2014) and have won medals at Olympic Games.

“We always feared the Australian team.”

Meet the other rising stars of Gold Coast hockey here:

Kaleb Benney

Gold Coast Hockey player Kaleb Benney. Image: Supplied.

Age: 16

Club: Roosters Hockey Club

Career highlights: Qld U18, Qld u16 Squad, Qld School Boys, Australian School Boys, U18 Gold Coast Team State Champions

Ivy Matthews

Gold Coast Hockey player Ivy Matthews. Image: Supplied.

Age: 17

Club: Hockey Burleigh

Position: Goal keeper

Career highlights: Qld U18, Australian Futures squad, U18 Gold Coast Team State Champions

Will Powell

Gold Coast Hockey player Will Powell. Image: Supplied.

Age: 17

Club: Hockey Burleigh

Career highlights: Qld U18, Australian Futures squad, U18 Gold Coast Team State Champions

Quintyn Laskey-Vall

Gold Coast Hockey player Quintyn Leakey-Vella. Image: Supplied.

Age: 17

Club: Labrador Hockey Club

Position: Goal keeper

Career highlights: Qld U18, Qld U18 Indoor Team, U18 Gold Coast Team State Champions

Tammin Andrews

Age: 17

Club: Hockey Burleigh

Career highlights: Qld U18 Team, Qld Schoolgirls, Australian Schoolgirls, U18 Gold Coast Team State Champions

Kyan Murphy

Age: 17

Club: Hockey Burleigh

Career highlights: Qld U18 Team, U18 Gold Coast Team State Champions (captain)

Hudson Keeble

Age: 16

Club: Mudgeeraba Hockey Club

Career highlights: Qld U18 Squad Member, U18 Gold Coast Team State Champions

Aston Merrell

Gold Coast Hockey player Ashton Merrell. Image: Supplied.

Age: 16

Club: Labrador Hockey Club

Career highlights: Qld U15 Team & Qld U18 Squad Member

Tylah Andrews

Age: 15

Club: Burleigh Hockey Club

Career highlights: Qld U15 Team & Qld U18 Squad Member, U18 Gold Coast Team State Champions

Ashton Price

Age: 18

Club: Burleigh Hockey Club

Career highlights: Qld U18 Team, U18 Gold Coast Team State Champions

Amelia Smith

Gold Coast Hockey player Amelia Smith. Image: Supplied.

Age: 15

Club: Capri Hockey Club

Career highlights: Qld U15 Team & Qld U16 squad member, U15 Gold Coast team

Chloe Minton-Connell

Age: 15

Club: Labrador Hockey Club

Career highlights: Qld u15 Team & Qld U16 squad member, U15 Gold Coast team

Heidi Myburgh

Age: 16

Club: Burleigh Hockey Club

Career highlights: Qld U15 Team & Qld U16 squad member, U18 Gold Coast Team State Champions

Gold Coast Hockey players (left) Will Powell, Camryn Mathison, Ashton Price, Kyan Murphy, Ivy Mathews and Tammin Andrews. Image: Supplied.