HOCKEY players from Dubbo continue to make an impression on the big stage with Phoebe Bloink Hollier the latest in a long line of juniors to make a NSW state team.
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Bloink Hollier was last week selected in the NSW side to compete in the upcoming under-15 Women's Australian Championships at the Gold Coast.
The 14-year-old striker impressed at the recent Country versus City Challenge match in Newcastle which acted as a selection trial and was expected to be an important part of the NSW team.
Bloink Hollier will not be the only Dubbo representative in the squad with Dubbo Hockey Association secretary Nikki Simpson named as assistant coach of the side for the second year running.
Simpson said Bloink Hollier's fitness, persistence and willingness to work on her game and improve was a big part in her making the side.
"Phoebe has done really well, she had missed out on two teams last year so she's come back really well. The support she's got from Dubbo Hockey and the other players has really made it all worthwhile," she said.
"She constantly improves and sets herself goals of what she wants to do.
"This year they introduced more fitness and Phoebe really picked up there, with the beep test they had to get a 10.3 to make the team."
The South Campus student admitted she was shocked to be selected in the NSW side but at the same time was excited to test herself at the highest level.
The NSW girls will be the team everyone wants to beat at the Championships with the Blues owning a stellar record in the competition.
"Last year the under-15s girls won so this year the expectation is high, I think NSW have actually won the past nine Championships in a row," Simpson said.
"So the expectation is there to win it again but it is a rebuilding phase, there's only one girl in the team who played in the side last year.
"Phoebe has been selected in the striker line, mainly for her fitness and the way she plays the game. She shows a lot of determination to get the ball and that's one of the reasons why she's highly rated for her position."
Bloink Hollier was a squad member of the Dubbo Blue Jays' Premier League Hockey side last season but is expected to take on a bigger role this season under new coach Matt Waters.
Waters was someone the talented junior was keen to thank, while she also praised Hunter Medcalf, who worked on her fitness levels, and fellow local junior star Emma Corcoran, who helped her prepare and told her what it's like trialling for high level representative sides.
The under-15 Women's Australian Championships runs from April 11-19 at the Gold Coast with NSW placed in Pool A with Queensland 1, Victoria Blue and Western Australian Gold.
