WOMENS HOCKEY Wales ace French "stepping away"
- Details
- Created on Tuesday, 14 February 2023 15:59
- Last Updated on Tuesday, 14 February 2023 16:15
- Published on Tuesday, 14 February 2023 15:59
- Written by SYDNEY DAVIES at Hockey Wales & ROSS REID at South West Sports News
Playmaker French, 32, continues to play club hockey for Cheshire's table-topping Women's Division One side Bowdon.
French’s career with Hockey Wales started in 2008 as she made her way through the under 18 and 21s ranks before making her senior debut for Hockey Wales at the 2011 Celtic Cup.
French (pictured right, above) has grown to become a key member of the Welsh women’s senior squad winning 130 caps for the side over 12 years including representing Team Wales at three Commonwealth Games, while maintaining a professional career as a physiotherapist outside of her hockey commitments.
Standout international competitions and memories for the former Bristol Firebrands player include captaining the Wales team at last year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as well as featuring in six European championships.
Sian’s international hockey experience also includes two seasons as a member of the Great Britain Elite Development Squad.
French said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my playing career and involvement with Hockey Wales and the decision for me to step away has not been an easy one. I feel the time is right for me personally and look forward to the opportunity for new challenges. I have been lucky enough to compete at World and European level representing my country, as well as leading the squad in more recent years. I will forever cherish the memories and experiences this has given me. The support from players, staff and particularly my family that I have received during my career has been amazing! Thank you very much to everyone who has played a part. I wish the best for the team in this Summer's European Championships and in the future.”
Senior Women’s Head Coach Kevin Johnson commented: “Although it is a shame to see Sian step away from International Hockey at this time, she leaves behind her a strong and powerful legacy of both performance and leadership which will continue to resonate with this group long after her departure and that should speak volumes about her contribution to Wales Senior Women. Her consistency of technical and tactical execution as a player brought a calmness and assuredness in our midfield and in recent years she has demonstrated these qualities and more in her leadership duties as both a Captain and Vice-Captain. Personally, she has been a tower of support to me as a Head Coach when it has been necessary and for this I will remain extremely grateful.”
All involved at Hockey Wales wish Sian the very best in the future.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.