Queensland’s top under-14 girls chase state championship glory
From inspiring skippers to ‘brick wall’ keepers, here are the stars of the Hockey Queensland U14 Girls State Championships. Find out who cracked the list from your team here.
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Matching ice cold winds with ‘firey passion’, Ipswich and Warwick hockey are living the under-14 girls state hockey championship dream.
For Ipswich the Toowoomba tournament is all about firsts.
Coach Hannah Simpson and manager Kathy Burns are at the helm for their first away tournament. Many of their players are in action away from home for the first time and a handful are also making their representative debut.
Their Division 3 opponents Warwick meanwhile are enjoying the opportunity to put their skills to the test thanks to the help of three Brisbane players ‘signed’ just before the tournament.
“The girls have been absolutely amazing,” Burns said.
“They are energetic, eager and determined.
“For a lot of them it’s the first time they’ve played a major tournament away from home – without their parents and that sort of thing.
“There is a great unity among them though and it’s been an absolute pleasure coaching and watching them.”
Warwick manager Natalie McCauley echoed the sentiments of her Ipswich counterpart.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure with the girls,” she said.
“They’re really keen to play, enjoying the experience and really committed.
“We also can’t thank the three Brisbane girls that joined us enough, they fit right in like they’ve been a part of the team forever.”
More than 20 teams from Cairns in the north to Tweed Heads are in action across three divisions for the Hockey Queensland Under-14 Girls State Championships.
Here’s a look at some of the young stars making their mark.
Mahli Catlin-Gibson
Brisbane 2
The skipper is focused, driven and dedicated quietly going about her work inspiring her team through her positive support and excellent work rate.
Sophie Smith
Brisbane 2
The young striker has a wicked shot and will instantly take any opportunity to test opposition keepers. Has been dangerous in front of goal all tournament.
Darcey Cutler
Brisbane 2
One of the hardest workers in the team, the young mid has a knack for earning free hits and chases down every loose ball.
Charlotte Laherty
Brisbane 2
A consistent performer who steps up in the big moments when her team needs a game-changer.
Jaz Williams
Cairns 1
A strong defender with a dominate tackle, great communication and organisational skills. Has led the team through her actions and words.
Imogen Overlack
Cairns 1
A midfield general who controls the play with ease. Had to contain due to her highly developed skill set and work rate.
Mackenzie Camp and Harper Twomey
Cairns 1
The dynamic duo are primed for bright futures in the Cairns rep program. Despite both being just 12 years of age they have proven themselves through energetic and hungry play - chasing down opposition players and working hard for their team
Calli McCollum
Tweed
Playing across the back and midfield lines, McCollum has taken her game to another level as captain who leads through her attitude and actions.
Alysha Miller
Tweed
Her passion and drive on and off the field has impressed Tweed officials and coaches. On the field she easily finds space and presents herself as a regular outlet for teammates looking to advance the ball.
Zoe Hamilton
Tweed
Her skills and desire to keep possession or win it back make her hard to miss on the field.
Peyton Wilson
Tweed
Tweed have lost their opening three games of the championships but the 11-year-old keeper can hold her head high. Facing more than 35 short corners in her first two games Wilson, in just her second year as a keeper, was nearly unbeatable. Tweed would be in a lot of trouble if not for her heroics.
Logan Reibel and Sienna Harmsworth
Rockhampton
The two skippers have lead through their actions as much as their words and attitude. Two highly skilled players they are natural leaders who better those around them on and off the field.
Jasmine Beck
Rockhampton
Extremely fit and with one of the competition’s highest work rates, Beck chases down every loose ball and works hard for her team.
Abby Hutchins
Rockhampton
Makes great runs upfront, finding space to get the ball and create opportunities to score.
Maggie Livingstone
Sunshine Coast 2
The skipper plays energy, heart and has proven to be a natural leader through her actions and positive influence on her team.
Summer Columbine
Sunshine Coast 2
An absolute brickwall in defence - Columbine was rarely beaten due to her positioning and work rate.
Charlie Lovell
Sunshine Coast 2
An absolute terrier in the frontline. The smallest player in the championships, the young stiker tormented opposition defences and never backed down against bigger opposition.
Emilee Campbell
Sunshine Coast 2
Relentless running and great positioning were the hallmarks of Campbell’s play during the championships. Constantly found space in the circle to earn shots on goal.
Piper Hunter
Warwick
A positive influence on the whole team she is a great communicator steering her teammates into good positions and a very skilled player.
Rosey Cranna
Warwick
Extremely coachable – she takes on advice and immediately implements it on field. Has come out of her shell during the championships turning into a positive, energetic striker who loves a tackle as well.
Georgia Sakrewski
Warwick
A cool, calm and collected player who is reliable and a solid performer right across the park.
Bridie Blunden, Violent Spadaro, Matilda O’Neill
Warwick (via Brisbane)
The Brisbane trio were drafted to Warwick to ensure the Southern Downs team could line up at the championships. They have seamlessly fitted into their new side playing and contributing like they have been ‘Warwick girls’ their entire playing life.
Charlee Lindsay
Ipswich 2
A real ‘underdog’ style player who never backs down from a challenge and plays with a positive attitude.
Brooklyn Burns and Madeleine Nickson
Ipswich 2
The two goalkeepers have been real ‘firecrackers’ in between the sticks playing with great energy and making important saves.
Kyrah Willett
Ipswich 2
Playing in the halves the vice-captain is an excellent communicator, natural leader and brilliant defender. As one of the ‘senior’ players in the side she has made it her mission to help the young guns feel at home and helped them play their best games.
Addison Miles
Mackay 2
A natural leader, the young captain played with passion, determination and was a ‘next level’ defender.
Lola Lancaster
Mackay 2
Playing in her first state championships she grew in confidence with every minute spent in action.
Amelia Shuttlewood
Mackay 2
The determined fullback never wanted to take - eager to lead her team through positive words and action on the field.
Leila Bane
Mackay 2
Another rep rookie, Bane worked in the training camps to earn her spot in the side and it paid off with some excellent play against experienced opposition.
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