Petra Craddock

My Field Hockey Background

I was introduced to field hockey at seven when I helped make up the numbers for a friend's school team. In 2017, I joined Somerville Hockey Club, one of Auckland's leading clubs and home to current and former New Zealand Black Sticks players. I progressed through Somerville's junior and youth pathway, consistently playing in the club's top teams.

In 2025, at fifteen, I was selected for Somerville's Women's Premier Reserve team and earned several call-ups to the Premier Women's team, including the Premiership Final. In 2026, I was selected for the Premier Women's team. Competing with and against national-level players continually challenges me and drives my development.

Alongside club hockey, I represented Epsom Girls Grammar First XI in 2023 and 2024 and now play for Diocesan School for Girls First XI. I have represented Auckland at U15, U16 and U18 level. I co-captained the Auckland U16 B team to a tournament title in 2024 and represented Auckland's U18 top team at the 2025 National Tournament. I have also competed in Go Hockey national and trans-Tasman events, including a 2025 U18 tournament where the South team finished second.

I was named in the Tridents U18 trial squad within New Zealand Hockey's Future Hockey League development pathway. Unfortunately, an injury prevented me from taking part in the trials, so I was not selected for the playing squad.

My Game

I play in central midfield, right midfield and the freeman role. I enjoy the freedom and creativity of midfield while also taking responsibility for controlling the tempo of a match. Communication is a major strength of mine, and I aim to help organize and drive my team both offensively and defensively.

My vision, speed and agility help me identify opportunities to run or pass into space. I am also a strong first runner and take pride in my defensive channeling and tackling. I want to turn defensive moments into attacking opportunities, and I bring teamwork, grit and a strong willingness to learn to every training session and game.

Why I Want to Play College Field Hockey

I want to study and play field hockey in the United States because university is an opportunity to grow both as an individual and as an athlete. I want to surround myself with driven teammates who share my passion and ambition, challenge myself academically and athletically, and step outside my comfort zone.

The high-intensity competition, first-class facilities, coaching and academic opportunities at US universities offer the environment I am looking for. Competing alongside strong American and international players would allow me to test and develop my abilities while working toward my dream of representing New Zealand.

I am also excited to experience the culture and passion surrounding American college sports. Being part of a wider university athletic community, meeting new people and developing greater independence would make the experience rewarding far beyond field hockey.

Academics and Leadership

I attend Diocesan School for Girls, where I am completing NCEA Level 2 and am interested in studying psychology or business. I received the school's 2025 Bronze Scholar Award, which recognizes an academic average of at least 90 percent.

Outside field hockey, I have represented New Zealand in U20 ultimate frisbee at the 2024 and 2026 World Junior Ultimate Championships. I also received my team's Spirit Award in 2026. These experiences, together with my roles as a school tutor-group captain and student coach and umpire, have helped me develop as a communicator, teammate and leader.