Tilly Olney

My hockey background

I am a dedicated sportswoman, having been exposed to a wide variety of sports from an early age. However, it became clear, even from an early age that hockey would be my passion, and I play and train as often as I can. In my experience I have found hockey to be the game to bring teammates together on and off the pitch. I am proud to be a member of my home club, where I am in my second year representing the Ladies 1s team in the English National League.

Sport has always been a cornerstone of my life, both as a competitor and mentor. I represent my school and local teams in hockey, netball, and swimming, competing in all three at regional and national levels. I compete in any sport at school including cricket, rounders, badminton, cross-country running and athletics. But nothing compares to hockey, and I am delighted to be a regular member of the England Hockey Pathway Talent Academy team at Reading and Marlow Ladies 1s.

Beyond my personal achievements, I am passionate about coaching and mentoring, and I volunteer with school, club and county hockey to inspire and develop younger athletes. I recently qualified as an FIH Level 1 Coach.

These experiences have taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, and compassion. Balancing the demands of competing, coaching, and academics has developed my resilience and ability to collaborate effectively. I take pride in my commitment to helping others achieve their potential while pushing myself to be the very best that I can be.

Since U14’s I have captained my school, club and county age group teams to national outdoor and indoor finals. Captaincy has taught me how to get the most from others, uniting teams, leading with confidence, while being empathetic and a good communicator.

I have played in most positions around the pitch, even goalkeeper (once!). I am most comfortable in a midfield or sweeper role. I feel I connect well with those around me, and I am often described as an attacking player whether in midfield, sweeper or in defence. My strengths are commitment, determination to win a challenge and never giving up on a ball.

Playing in the National League and the England Hockey Pathway has given me exposure to high level sporting excellence and I am thirsty for more.

Why I want to play college hockey

I am so excited about the possibility of playing hockey in the US. I know this opportunity will bring many amazing experiences, as well as playing in one of the most competitive environments in the world. I am confident that I will learn from the very best coaching staff and players and benefitting from the very best facilities. I am certain playing hockey and studying in the US will be a life changing and affirming experience in every regard that will be the making of me. In return I am determined to give my all to my team, and to the opportunities presented to me.

I would love to find a team that is focussed on working hard in training and in matches, collaborating on and off the pitch, and having fun to achieve the very best results. I am motivated by playing at a high level and improving as a player and person in a friendly, but high performing environment.

It is important that I strike the right balance between achieving sporting triumph, having fun and succeeding academically. Through hard work, I hope to realise the potential for success in the “land of opportunity”. I hope to achieve this through making friends for life and creating memories that will remain with me forever.

The unique blend of sporting excellence and academic distinction in the US college system is unrivaled. It would be a dream to be a part of this incredible environment. One which I aim to take full advantage of and contribute to in equal measure.

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