The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fifer excited over new hockey role
Fifer Katie Robertson has been named Scotland’s new women’s hockey vice-captain. The announcement comes as the build-up continues towards the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in July and the EuroHockey qualifiers in France the following month.
Edinburgh University star Robertson, who comes from Freuchie and has won 50 caps for her country, admitted she was taken aback when approached about the position but is relishing the chance to play a key role in an “exciting future” for Scottish hockey.
She said: “I’m a little shocked to be asked to take on the role.
“We’ve been set the target of top 10 in the world but that doesn’t happen overnight.
“There are young players in the squad and with more coming through who are already knocking at the door, so it is exciting to see those new players develop and see what we can do in the next five or six years.”
Robertson, a teacher at Dollar Academy, is part of a new six-strong player group which has been evolved from a process involving players and staff.
She will be joined by new captain Sarah Robertson, Dundee-born Becky Ward – Scotland’s most experienced player – Great Britain squad members Amy Costello, Fiona Burnet and Eve Pearson.
The initiative comes as women’s head coach Chris Duncan implements a longterm strategy, targeting a place for Scotland women in the world’s top 10.
He said the new captain and vice-captain would lead the player group and said: “Sarah and Katie embody all the characteristics we would look to see from players in our squad and, critically, they possess a ferocious desire to succeed and help others.
“I have been amazed at their ability to drive standards and push others to constantly better themselves, but also at their empathy and understanding of the best route forward to make us better, not just as hockey players and a team on the pitch, but as a group of people.”
New captain Robertson, who plays for London club Hampstead & Westminster, said: “I’ve played more than 100 games for Scotland and every time it’s a proud moment, but captaining your country is a huge honour and it’s not something I ever thought would happen.
“I’ve been lucky to play in the squad under some amazing captains and it feels special to be added to that list.
“We’ve had a lot of progression recently with good wins against Ireland and Wales.
“The squad is in an exciting place so I’m looking to help drive that and use my experience to help us keep moving forward.
“It’s a huge summer ahead. The Commonwealth Games is pretty much the pinnacle for any Scottish hockey player’s career, but then we have a huge tournament in France which is arguably more important because it is all about retaining European status.
“Obviously one of our main aims is to work towards being in the top 10 in the world so this summer will be a good start on that journey.”