Hockey Player Ash Awarded US University Scholarship

Form 7 pupil and talented hockey player Ash has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to study at Ohio University in the USA when she leaves School in the summer.

Ash, who joined Oakham School in Form 6, is the star goalkeeper of the girls’ 1^st XI hockey team and a key part of their successful season so far. Ash will combine her passion for hockey with her academic studies when she embarks on an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences with a specialism in Neuroscience at Ohio University.

Ash began playing hockey in her first year of secondary school and quickly attracted attention for her quick reflexes and agility in goal.

“Before joining secondary school, I had played a lot of football, mainly in goal, and it was easy to transfer my skills and knowledge from football to hockey.

“I found hockey goalkeeping more enjoyable than football and soon found myself playing in pathway and academy hockey outside of school, leading me to play for England when I was in Year 11.”

Oakham School’s excellent reputation for hockey was a key reason for Ash choosing to spend her sixth form years at the School.

“Oakham School was recommended to me, as it’s a Tier 1 hockey school, so you get the chance to play lots of competitive matches and receive coaching as part of the weekly timetable.

The boarding lifestyle has really suited Ash and helped her manage her busy schedule.

“Boarding at Oakham has helped me manage my hockey and academic commitments really well. With everything under one roof, I have enough time to train and play competitive matches whilst also studying for my A-levels (Maths, Chemistry and Biology). I also play in the orchestra, so there is time for me to focus on my music as well.

“Playing hockey at Oakham has been really enjoyable and I have my coach Miss Long to thank for that. Her coaching sessions are really fun and competitive, as are all the cup matches that we play in.”

Ash is now planning to continue her hockey journey overseas and experience all that studying at a US university has to offer.

“Studying in the US appeals to me, as there are so many opportunities for me to pursue my hockey at a higher level whilst continuing my academic studies.

There is much more recognition for varsity sports in the US than in the UK, for example matches are televised over there. As a Division 1 school, Ohio University will offer a heavy training schedule alongside my undergraduate studies, but living and working at Oakham School has helped me prepare for this.

Ash has received a full ride offer to study at Ohio University.

“Receiving a full ride offer means that all my tuition, board and books are paid for. When I was told about this as a way of gaining my degree, I contacted the universities myself and then got in touch with an agent to finalise the process. This included putting together a portfolio of my achievements.”

Asked about her plans beyond her undergraduate studies, Ash is keeping an open mind.

“I will wait and see where my hockey and academic journey will take me. I would like to do a master’s degree either in the US or the UK. Beyond that, only time will tell.”