WAIS scholarship holders selected in Jillaroos and Burras squads

10 WAIS scholarship holders have been selected in the Jillaross and Burras squads in a further sign of the strength of the WAIS hockey talent progressing through the national system.

The crop of prospective Hockeyroos and Kookaburras stars have been identified following the recent Hockey Australia Under 21 Championships in Perth.

Both squads comprise a combination of higher end age players and players eligible to compete at the respective Men’s and Women’s FIH Junior World Cups in 2023.

In the Jillaroos scholarship holders Jolie Sertorio, Belle Ramshaw, Neasa Flynn and Britney De Silva have been selected in the Jillaroos, having been part of the silver medal winning WA team at the U21 National Championships. They are joined by fellow WA athlete Georgina Dowd.

The Burras squad includes six WAIS athletes with Brodee Foster, Cambell Geddes, Hamish Adamson, Max Freedman, Oliver Higgins and Tom Keating all being selected. Western Australia claimed gold at the U21 Nationals.

“As well as the Australian Under 21 Championships, the selection panel took into consideration the Domestic Series on the Gold Coast and feedback from National Athlete Pathway Program coaches,” said Jillaroos Head Coach Stacia Strain

“Whilst some athletes selected in the National Junior Squad will not be age-eligible for the Junior World Cup in 2023, it was important for us to recognise their strong performances and identify them in the national pathway.

“This selection enables these athletes to continue their journey and development towards becoming future Hockeyroos.”

Selection for the National Junior Men’s Squad was just as tough, with Jay Stacy taking a similar approach to Stacy with selections.

“As expected, selection of the National Junior Squad was extremely difficult,” said Stacy.

“The depth of talent, skill and tactical knowledge on display was high and pleasing to see, adding to the difficulty of selecting the final squad.

“We have chosen a balance of top age athletes and athletes that qualify for the 2023 Junior World Cup in Malaysia.”