Emma Corcoran is no stranger to the big stage.
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The Dubbo product was recently named in the NSW Under 21s indoor hockey team – for the fourth year in a row.
The 20-year-old also boasts three Australian titles with the side, and says they hope to continue their success at the 2019 National Championships in Goulburn in January.
“It’s always an honour to be selected to represent, not only your state, but also yourself at a high level,” Corcoran said, adding she has learned a lot since she debuted for the NSW under 21s at just 17.
“Playing with older girls has been amazing. They teach you so many new things and that experience is like no other.
“I’m very, very lucky to be able to play sport at a high level. It teaches you a lot: how to win, how to lose, not only in sport, but in life as well.”
Corcoran secured her fourth straight call-up after playing with Dubbo at last month’s state titles.
There the Dubbo team won three of its four opening round games – including a resounding 6-0 win over Tamworth – to progress to the finals.
Unfortunately Dubbo’s tournament came to an end, with a 3-3 draw against the higher ranked Orange, who went on to claim the overall title.
But Corcoran had done enough to impress, while teammates Courtney Hogan and Lilli Campbell have been named as shadows.
Phoebe Bloinke-Hollier was named in the NSW under 18s indoor side.
Corcoran is also thrilled to have been named in the Blues alongside her University of Wollongong roommate, Orange’s Chloe Barrett.
The pair have played together since they were 15, and Corcoran said having a “fellow country girl” to train with was invaluable.
“Even travelling up to Sydney twice a week to play hockey … it’s good having someone with you along the way,” she said.
“It has been a pretty big step for me moving away from Dubbo, juggling uni commitments and still trying to fit in a social life somewhere! It’s tough but I’m a planner.
“Hockey … was my childhood and continues to be a massive part of my life today and I really wouldn’t have it any other way.”
She thanked the Dubbo Hockey Association for “always having my back”, as well as her “biggest supporters”, Mum and Dad.
Corcoran and her NSW under 21 teammates will contest the Australian National Indoor Championships at Goulburn’s Veolia Arena from Friday, January 18 until Tuesday, January 22. Bloinke-Hollier and her under 18s teammates will compete from January 13-17.
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