Hello! My name is Maddie McCunn #13 and I am a freshman setter from Eureka High School. I am majoring in Nursing and I’m also on the softball team here at ICC! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, family and being outdoors.
The last three months went by super fast! It felt like it was just yesterday we were doing team building activities during pre-season. This past Wednesday, we played Southwestern Illinois College at home for our first round of playoffs. We also celebrated our sophomores as they played their last game in Ramsey Gym. Coming out with lots of energy, we ended up defeating SWIC in 4 sets. Friends and family members celebrated with us at the end of the match and provided cake and punch!
This Saturday we made the trip down to Lewis & Clark to face Lincoln Land. This game determined if we made it to Nationals in West Virginia or not. Unfortunately, Lincoln Land came out on top, but we put so much heart into the game. Despite the loss, we still had fun on the court with each other. I, along with the other freshmen, will miss every sophomore immensely and will miss all the jokes we had on and off the court. Thanks to all of the coaches who put in hours of time to the sport of volleyball! The cougs will be back at it next semester, but unfortunately, Sam Garcia and I will not be there due to the softball season!
Hello everyone! My name is Sam Garcia and I was #3 this year for ICC’s volleyball team. I am a sophomore here at ICC although this is my first year playing volleyball. I am also on the softball team. I am majoring in Accounting and plan on transferring to a four year university to get my masters in Financial Accountancy. I enjoy spending my time with my friends and family when I am not at practice or work.
This season was a very enjoyable one! From our very first adventure of traveling to the high ropes course then to Texas and our pink out game. Although our season is over, we have several things to be proud of. We overcame adversity several times, improved our volleyball IQ and grew together as players. The girls are getting back at it in the weight room. Maddie McCunn and I will be moving on to softball so we won’t get to be with the team in the spring.
It was definitely not easy to play volleyball again since I had been out of practice for two years but everyone made it so easy to get back into the swing of things. I really can’t thank all of my teammates and coaches enough for how much they pushed and encouraged me throughout the season.
Sophomore Outside Hitter Mary O’Brien here with the blog this week. It has been awhile since we have chatted last, and we have a lot to catch up on. The Cougars are back in the gym and working hard this spring season. The off season is a great opportunity to hit the weight room and train on the court as well. This spring we have been working really hard to get stronger, faster and more explosive. It has been really fun to watch the team improve our athleticism and in turn translate that over to our court play. We recently had our first spring tournament at University of Illinois at Springfield. It felt great to get back on the court and play against teams other than ourselves. We played three matches against UIS, Milliken University and Illinois College. Each match was extremely competitive and fun. It’s always exciting to play against various different four-year schools as it gives us the opportunity to experience other styles of play.
This spring has been really great, and it is hard to believe that my two years at ICC are coming to a close. This past week I signed with Missouri State University as I plan to continue my academic and athletic career. I could not be more excited for the opportunity to play at the next level and join such a strong program. Choosing a new school is no easy task but I know I have made the right decision to join the Missouri State family, it is the perfect fit for me. Missouri State offers a very strong Business program that I will be majoring in and I also really love the proximity to home. Not to mention the amazing coaches, players and opportunity to play in the Missouri Valley conference. With that being said I cannot give enough thanks to all who have helped me reach this point. I want to thank my family, teammates, friends, the whole ICC staff and especially Sue for all that they have done over the past two years. Coming to ICC has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. These past two years have been nothing short of amazing. ICC has given countless opportunities and tools to be successful academically, athletically and in life. I cannot wait to see what this next phase of life brings for all our sophomores and I am confident that they will all do well because of the core values that have been forged at ICC. Thanks for reading! #RollCougz
It has been a super long time since I have been able to talk to you all, so let me update you on everything that has been happening! I have decided to change my major to secondary education in english and literature arts. I enjoy reading and writing with a passion, and this way I will be able to do it everyday of my life.
Another huge update on my life is that I have officially decided where I am going to play volleyball at the next two years. The past few months I have been going on visits and trying to decide on this huge decision. I have decided that I am going to continue my education and athletic career playing volleyball for Illinois Wesleyan University! I am super excited for this opportunity and can not wait for the next two years. I know that you all have not heard from my best friend and fellow teammate, Jackie Beaver for a while, so I will update you on her exciting news. This semester Jackie moved to Grand Rapids Michigan and has been attending Ferris State. She has also decided to play volleyball there!
Sadly, this will be my final blog for ICC volleyball. With that being said, I would like to thank some people that have entered my life along the way. I would like to thank TR for being there for all of us when we are injured or even when we just need to smile. Another person who makes everyone smile when we walk in the room is Trish. Trish is another one of our coaches that always knows how to keep us positive and looking forward to the next play. Janelle has especially been important in my career because she was also a middle hitter. Thank you Janelle for always helping me become the best middle that I can become.
I would also like to say thank you to Sam for pushing us everyday at practice and always making us work our hardest. Our athletic trainer Mike also deserves a lot of credit. Without him we would not be in the healthy conditions that we are all in now. Emma, Reilly, and Nicole for coming in on their own time to help us at practice. Also a huge thank you to our manager Jamison for coming to practice every day and playing against us to push us to be better.
My final thank you goes out to Sue Sinclair. The past two years have been the best years of my life. You introduced me to my best friends and brought so many wonderful people into my life. I am so grateful for the opportunity that you have given to me. I am excited to see where you take your teams in the future. Thank you for everything that you have taught me on and off the court. I owe the past few years to you. Thank you to everyone who has impacted me these past two years.
With the Connecticut Sun being the best team in the league, it’s fitting to give love to their best players in All-Star voting. And since the team is first in defensive rating and opponent points per game, why not devote one of those precious backcourt votes to an early candidate for both the Most Improved and Defensive Player of the Year awards? DiJonai Carrington.
The 26-year-old put the league on notice on opening day, playing lockdown defense on Caitlin Clark, forcing the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft to miss shots and commit turnovers, spoiling her WNBA debut in the process. During the rematch between the two teams, Carrington again played elite defense, but was also able to score 22 points on Clark, making use of her athleticism and strength.
After her team beat the Washington Mystics in the second contest of the season, Carrington explained in a simple and humble way how she became so good on the defensive end:
I had to figure out a way to get on the court and the way I figured out to get on the court was to be a lockdown defender. I was with Briann January, Jasmine Thomas, Alyssa Thomas, three of the all-time best defenders in WNBA history … If you want to play, you’ll find a way to get on the court.
And while the games against the Indiana Fever gave her the recognition she deserves, Carrington enjoyed other stellar defensive performances this season. On May 28, the Phoenix Mercury’s Kahleah Copper, who is third in the league in scoring, scored just seven points on 2-for-11 shooting when guarded by Carrington. On June 2, she limited Atlanta Dream’s Allisha Gray to nine points on 3-for-11 shooting. And on June 15, she kept the Dallas Wings’ Arike Ogunbowale, the league’s second-leading scorer, to 11 points on 2-for-15 shooting.
Offensively, Carrington is a fastbreak machine, rushing to the basket and crashing into the interior after a turnover that she most likely forced. Her 3-point shooting isn’t there yet, maybe it never will be, but she’s more efficient and more confident than ever with the ball in her hands. Her 12.5 points per game average is only bested by her collegiate averages from her junior year at Stanford and senior year at Baylor, but she’s playing with a level of maturity that’s beyond comparison to her previous years.
Without her, the Sun don’t open the season 12-1. There’s a lot of competition in the backcourt, so chances are that Carrington may not earn an All-Star spot. But that doesn’t mean that she’s not worthy of it.
The USA 2024 Olympic team: Brittney Griner, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper and Napheesa Collier, back row; Jewell Loyd, A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, middle row; Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Alyssa Thomas and Diana Taurasi, bottom row, USA Basketball photo.
USA Basketball announced today the 2024 USA Basketball Women’s National Team, which will compete at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, set for July 26-Aug. 11, 2024. The team is highlighted by 12 athletes with extensive USA Basketball experience including Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury), who will make a record sixth straight Olympic appearance, and nine athletes who have already earned at least one Olympic gold medal.
In addition to Taurasi, the 2024 USA Women’s National Team includes Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury), Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces), Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury), Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty), Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm), Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut Sun), A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) and Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces).
The squad has a combined 15 Olympic gold medals, 18 FIBA Women’s World Cup titles and 55 WNBA All-Star appearances. The team also boasts eight WNBA champions, three WNBA MVPs and five WNBA Rookies of the Year. For just the second time in history of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team program, every member of the Olympic Team has either an Olympic or World Cup gold medal (2012).
“On behalf of USA Basketball, I’m excited to announce the 2024 USA Women’s National Team,” said USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee chair Jen Rizzotti. “We have selected a team that we are confident will represent our country to the highest standard in Paris. Basketball in the United States boasts unparalleled depth, making this a challenging and competitive process. The commitment these athletes have shown to USA Basketball is unmatched and I look forward to watching them take on the World in Paris.”
Taurasi, who is a five-time Olympian, has played more games than any other women’s player in USA Basketball Olympic history (38) and is second in points scored (414), trailing only Lisa Leslie (488).
Collier, Gray, Griner, Loyd, Stewart, Taurasi and Wilson all return to the 2024 squad after a 6-0 run toward a gold medal in Tokyo at the 2020 Olympic Games. That year, Wilson and Griner led the team with 16.5 points per game, with Stewart leading the team with 10.0 rebounds per game, while also contributing 15.0 points per game. Griner and Stewart, along with Taurasi, won gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Plum and Young won gold in Tokyo as members of the USA 3×3 Women’s National Team. The duo was part of a tandem that went 8-1 en route to claiming the sport’s first Olympic gold medal.
Copper, Gray, Ionescu, Loyd, Plum, Stewart, Thomas and Wilson were all members of the 2022 USA Women’s National Team, which captured its 11th World Cup gold medal in Sydney. The World title also qualified the USA for the Paris Games.
The team was selected by the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee and approved by the USA Basketball Board of Directors. In addition to Rizzotti, the committee includes Dawn Staley (University of South Carolina), Bethany Donaphin (WNBA) and Dan Padover (Atlanta Dream), as well as athlete representatives Seimone Augustus and DeLisha Milton-Jones.
USA Women’s National Team head coach Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota Lynx) will be assisted by Kara Lawson (Duke University), Joni Taylor (Texas A&M University) and Mike Thibault (Washington Mystics). The coaching staff, who together led the USA to a gold medal at the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup, was selected by the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee.
Additionally, Curt Miller (Los Angeles Sparks) and Tanisha Wright (Atlanta Dream) will be supporting the team as scouts. Both Miller and Wright have been past court coaches for the USA Women’s National Team training camps, and Miller was an assistant coach at the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament and for the USA’s college exhibition wins last fall.
“This roster features some of the best basketball talent our country has to offer and I’m excited to lead this team with the goal of winning an eighth straight Olympic gold medal in Paris,” said Reeve. “I’m looking forward to getting together in Phoenix and starting the journey to Paris.”
In total, USA Basketball will be represented by four teams in Paris, including 5-on-5 men and women and 3×3 men and women. The USA are reigning Olympic champions in 5-on-5 men and women and 3×3 women, with 3×3 men set to make their Olympic debut this summer.
“With the announcement of our final national team, USA Basketball is poised to begin our quest for four Olympic gold medals this summer in Paris as the first country to ever qualify a quartet of basketball teams for the Games,” said USA Basketball chairperson Martin Dempsey. “I’m excited to support all four teams and I’m especially proud of the USA Women’s National Team as they seek an unprecedented eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. These 32 Olympic basketball athletes are great representatives of our country and I’m looking forward to cheering them on.”
The USA women will hold training camp in Phoenix before competing against the WNBA All-Stars in the league’s All-Star Game on Saturday, July 20 at 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC). The team will then travel to London to play the German Women’s National Team at O2 Arena on July 23 at 3 p.m. ET (FS1), as part of the 2024 USA Basketball Showcase. For more information, including how to buy tickets, click here.
The USA women are seeking their eighth straight– and 10th overall – Olympic gold medal.
The American women open group play against Japan on July 29 (3:00 p.m. ET), followed by Belgium on Aug. 1 (3:00 p.m. ET) and Germany on Aug. 4 (11:15 a.m. ET). The U.S. has a combined 29-2 overall record against its Group C opponents. This is the second straight Olympics USA is grouped with Japan and marks the first time the U.S. will face Belgium and Germany at the Games.
On Sunday, the Atlanta Dream (6-6) avoided an ignominious three-game losing streak, responding to losses to the Washington Mystics (2-12) and Indiana Fever (5-10) with a victory over the Los Angeles Sparks (4-10). Atlanta will have the opportunity to avenge their loss to Indiana on Friday, hosting the Fever at State Farm Arena (7:30 p.m. ET, ION). First, they hit the road on Wednesday to meet the Minnesota Lynx (11-3) for the second time this season (8 p.m. ET, LeaguePass). The first matchup was a resounding Lynx win in Atlanta.
Before this next set of games, let’s take a look at the Dream’s lineup combinations and see what is, and is not, working:
Is Atlanta’s new starting lineup the solution?
After moving from the starting lineup to a reserve role, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus has begun to play her best basketball of the season.Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
Ahead of the Indiana game, head coach Tanisha Wright made a change to the starting lineup, inserting Nia Coffey for Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. On Sunday against LA, Coffey remained in the starting group.
Across 11 games and 88 total minutes, Atlanta’s original staring lineup of Haley Jones, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Tina Charles and Parker-Tyus has a plus-minus of minus-12, with issues on both ends of the floor. The unit registered an offensive rating of 98.9, slightly better than the team’s overall offensive rating but not nearly strong enough for a starting five. The bigger problem was on the defensive end, with their 106.1 defensive rating much worse than the team’s overall defensive rating of 99.8.
That data suggests it was time for Wright to make a change. Although it’s only been two games, Parker-Tyus has thrived coming off the bench. As analysts Angel Gray and Autumn Johnson discussed during the broadcast of the Sparks game, Parker-Tyus expressed how she is more comfortable operating at the 5, as she has more space compared to playing the 4 alongside Charles. Her improved shooting percentages reflect as much. She’s also exhibited more activity in other areas of the game, collecting more boards, assists and steals as a reserve.
However, while Parker-Tyus is now providing more dynamic post play from off the bench, the new starting group also does not seem like the answer. The fivesome of Jones, Gray, Howard, Charles and Coffey has been outscored by 13 points in 39 minutes together across nine games. Their defense has been quite good, evidenced by a defensive rating of 87.7. The offense, in contrast, has been a disaster, with an anemic offensive rating of 73.4. That’s not terribly surprising, as Jones is a hesitant shooter and Coffey has become painfully reluctant on the offensive end. Opponents, therefore, can load up on Gray, Howard and Charles, further gumming up Atlanta’s often sticky and stilted offensive process.
What lineups are working for Atlanta?
The long-awaited debut of Jordin Canada can, hopefully, solve Atlanta’s point guard woes.Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images
The Dream’s lack of a solid starting five again points to the importance of Jordin Canada, the team’s headlining offseason addition and starting point guard who remains sidelined with a hand injury.
Thus far, Atlanta’s best lineup does not feature a traditional primary ball handler. The quintet of Gray, Howard, Charles, Naz Hillmon and Aerial Powers is a plus-14 in 13 total minutes of shared court time. While the sample size is small, it’s a lineup that makes sense, as the team’s three stars are surrounded by two players who know their roles. Powers pulsates with often frenetic energy, with her willingness to fearlessly fire away a needed trait for a team that can suffer through scoring droughts. And although she is prone to some poor defensive decisions, those often are born out of an eagerness to make something happen. Hillmon’s more measured efforts balance out Powers’ livewire stylings. She’s a consummate connective player, supporting her starrier teammates by doing the little things that contribute to winning.
Another promising lineup sees Crystal Dangerfield replace Powers alongside Gray, Howard, Charles and Hillmon. That grouping has outscored opponents by nine points in 16 minutes. It seems Wright has resisted totally trusting Dangerfield. After playing nearly 28 minutes per game for the Dallas Wings last season, she’s averaging just half that with the Dream, playing 14 minutes and averaging 3.1 points and 1.9 assists per game. While she’s undersized and a below-average shooter for her position, Dangerfield is a competent point guard who knows how to play around stars, as she showed with the Wings last season. Allowing her the opportunity to develop chemistry with her new teammates could help Atlanta avoid its spells of offensive stagnancy.
It will also be exciting to see Canada (eventually) play with the Gray-Howard-Charles-Hillmon quartet. Considering Coffey’s early season struggles, inserting Hillmon into the starting lineup once, if not before, Canada debuts could help the Dream begin to become the best version of themselves.
Stenhousemuir have emulated the success of their men’s side by lifting the SWF League One trophy after beating Edinburgh Caledonia 4-0 in the sunshine at Meadowbank.
Stenny came into the game knowing that a point would be enough to cross the line, but started at a frenetic pace despite the hot conditions, moving the ball quickly and building from the back well.
Josie Cawood hit the upright early on and a header from a corner went just wide before Eva Ralston connected beautifully with a pass out wide right to curl a volley past the keeper and into the top corner. Star defender Rachel Vickerman put her head deftly to a Amy McClarty corner kick to double the score and give the Warriors the half time lead. Quick feet from Lucia Zamorano and Praise Adebo produced two further good goals in the second half, allowing skipper Jude Connolly to lift the trophy in front a vocal away support.
Forfar Farmington did not play but are guaranteed second place after this result, regardless of their score against Bonnyrigg Rose next Sunday.
Rose defeated third-placed Falkirk at the Falkirk stadium, Aimee Dilworth firing in a rocket from the edge of the box before missing a penalty just ahead of half-time. Saffron McCabe ensured Bonnyrigg would head back to Midlothian with the points on 65 minutes, latching onto a through pass from Niamh Naysmith to stroke their second home.
Elsewhere in League One, Queen of the South lost an early goal to Dundee West but roared back to win 4-1, while St Mirren and Giffnock SC played out an entertaining 3-3 draw.
The regional SWFL saw its second title winner named, as Armadale Thistle beat McDermid Ladies 6-1 and nearest challengers Glenrothes Strollers were held to a draw by Edinburgh South. Armadale were formed out of the core of the Livingston Development side which won the SWFL East short season, and are now eligible to be promoted to SWF League One, where they will join SWFL North Champions Inverurie Locos.
Both Ayr United Development and Kilwinning scored double figures in SWFL South to keep the gap at the top of that league just 3 points, while in the SWFL West, Dunipace reclaimed top spot with a 7-2 victory over Dumbarton United. Drumchapel Utd are only two points behind.
Ross County Development remain top of the ScottishPower Highlands & Islands league after beating Clachnacuddin 5-0 at home. Buckie Ladies beat Caithness 2-1 in a close game, while Sutherland scored twice against Nairn St Ninian without reply.
I often google race dates before booking a holiday, just checking to see if there’s anything I can sign up for while I’m there. Typically it’s a local 5K but every once in a while you hit the jackpot and manage to overlap your dates *coincidentally with a big city race.
Or you adjust your dates to ensure they overlap as I may have done in this case! (we were invited by some friends to a villa in Thailand and came via Hong Kong using Tom’s staff plane tickets).
The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon weekend is a sell out race weekend boasting a full, half and 10K race option. The marathon kicks off at 6am, whilst the first waves of half marathons start just before 8am and the 10K had race starts from 6-8am. There’s also the possibility of doing both the 10K and half marathon if you get your timings right (and needed to get a long run done!)
My race morning started getting changed in the hotel bathroom (we stayed at Nina Hotel Causeway Bay conveniently located near the finish line and expo – kindly organised and covered by Discover Hong Kong). Fellow runners and I piled into McDonalds to get a coffee at the only place open locally before jumping on the MTR train to the start line by Kowloon Park. For runners who wanted to drop their bags,
Octopus cards work like Oyster Cards/Debit cards in Hong Kong (you can only tap into the MTR using an Octopus card or VISA – no Mastercard as I discovered on race morning having spent the last of my Octopus balance on my coffee!) If you saw my Reel then you’ll know I also spilt some of the coffee onto another runner on the MTR much to my horror (and his!).
Race morning was efficient, with certainly no way you could squeeze yourself into an earlier start corral. Apparently half marathoners were seeded by their predicted finishing times (can’t remember what start time I gave to be starting in wave 3) The one thing missing was pre-race loos with seemingly only a few for thousands of runners. I utilised the facilities of another McDonalds before my 8.30 race start.
Bang on 8.30 our wave started. It was VERY crowded as that first mile often is, but unfortunately it felt like that for most of the race.
The race takes you through Kowloon along West Kowloon Highway with views over Hong Kong Island, before you run through the tunnel at Western Harbour Crossing, a 2KM tunnel connecting Kowloon with Hong Kong Island. Whilst this feels a little suffocating at mile 8ish of the half marathon, it hits around Mile 20 of the marathon which must be brutal! I wish they had blasted music or had a band in the tunnel, to help keep runners motivated.
Aid stations were roughly every 2 miles or so, with water, sports drink and weirdly at one aid station, water with oil??
The route itself was thankfully less hilly than I was anticipating, and the weather was on our side, with temps around 16-17*C and 59% humidity while I was running. The tunnel was pretty stifling without the breeze but other than that, the running conditions were good and I imagine even better if you were doing one of the ‘challenge’ races that started at 5.40am. These ‘challenge’ races (the marathon, half marathon and 10K) required proof of finish time, the equivalent of London ‘Good for Age’ and the race had to be completed within a certain time. Find out more here. If I was going to run again, I would try to apply for one of the Challenge races to start/finish early and then go out and cheer!
Talking of spectators, there were areas that were well supported, particularly in the early stages on Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island, however there were large stretches along the highway and within the tunnel that were quiet. I took headphones but didn’t end up using them, preferring instead to just take in the sights and sounds of the race.
Tom was waiting as the final spectators before the finish line (he’s not sure why more people weren’t in the bleacher area as apparently it was open to the public, but gave Bertie a good area to run around in while they waited). He asked if I wanted to take Bertie with me over the finish line (apparently someone earlier had finished with their 4 year old), I checked with an official who said it was fine, and grabbed Bertie – attempting to run the final 100m. Bertie was laughing away having a great time…
However as soon as we crossed the finish line he wanted to be put down to walk by himself. With runners finishing the half, full and 10K races, the finish area was organised chaos, with people collecting their medals, water, bananas and being funnelled out via various exits into Victoria Park. I slightly regretted taking him with me as I wrestled to keep him in my arms until a friendly runner gave him a banana which kept Bertie occupied until we found Tom and the buggy!
I really enjoyed the race, although I’m not sure it would be one I’d go for a PB at. Mostly though, I just really appreciated the fact that I’m finally back in shape to run a half marathon without stressing about it. Whilst I’m no-where near the speed I was previously, or want to be, it’s all base building with the goal of a BQ marathon in the autumn.
For now, it’s focussing on getting fit to have fun in my Spring Marathon!
How much is entry to the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon/Half Marathon?
Entry for locals is $600 HKD for full, $520 for the half and $420 for the 10K, whilst international runners are charged $90 USD for the full marathon, $85 for the half, and $70 for the 10K – making it a pretty cheap marathon but rather expensive 10K race for those coming from abroad!
When does registration open?
Entries for the 2024 race opened on 31st August until 5th October.
Is there a bag drop?
Yes, bag drop was at the race start with bags brought to the finish line in Victoria Park. For the 10K runners, the start and finish was in Victoria Park alongside bagdrop.
What is the time cut off for the marathon, half marathon and 10K?
Marathon cut off is 6 hours, half marathon is 3 hours and the 10K is 2 hours. If you are completing the half marathon challenge you need to finish within 2 hours 15 minutes.
8. What is a week in the life of Tess Howard like?
Full time with GB at Bisham Abbey Monday and Tuesday – training 9am-5pm with gym, hockey, meetings, lunch as a squad – and I try do some uni work in the evenings after making dinner. Wednesdays I head into LSE (London School of Economics) for seminars and lectures, then on to East Grinstead for club training in the evening. Back at home I have a hot chocolate before bed! Thursday mornings I study and have a walk in nature or see a friend, then we are in Bisham again for meetings in the afternoon. Friday is GB training at Bisham with gym and hockey finishing 2pm. I relax and study the rest of the day ready for my club match on Saturday with East Grinstead. After the game, I chill with my teammates in the clubhouse or watch the men’s game. Then Sunday is a total day off – I might go visit a friend, have a lazy day at home, go walking, see my grandparents or smash some studying if I have an essay due, usually do some food prep for the week and watch a film in the evening.
9. How did you motivate yourself during your ACL injury & rehab? Did you find sharing and documenting your journey helped?
I knew I would be back playing hockey if I did every single bit of rehab as best as I could. My main motivation was to get back for the World Cup and Commonwealth Games and see how strong I could make my body. I spent 12 months in the gym – it’s hard to keep happy the whole time and after 6 months I fell into a depression, lost myself and felt the mountain was too big to climb. It was a very hard few months. But New Years Eve changed my mindset. The clock ticking over and suddenly I wasn’t in ‘2021: the setback year’, I was in ‘2022: the comeback year’. And I found this new level of focus and purpose. It was this fire that kept me going through to May when I played my first international match. Sharing and documenting my journey every Tuesday on Instagram really helped me to keep track of my progress and give me little wins. One thing I really missed was my teammates and so this way I felt a bit connected to others. Towards the end of my rehab, I started a Support Group called ACL Legends, with hockey players who were also going through rehab. This has been one of the most rewarding things, to be able to mentor and help others. ACL rehab is no joke, and I couldn’t have done it without my GB physio Jen and training coach Roy. They were my little team for 12 months.
10. What inspired you to speak up about Hockey kit rules and how did you find yourself involved in the process with England Hockey?
Long story! My undergrad dissertation was on the impact of gendered school sport uniforms on girls participation and performance in sport. I found 70% of women have seen girls drop-out of sport because of sports kit and body image concerns. It has since been published and made into news articles. Sitting on this data – alongside all of the other reasons skorts create gender-binaries in schools and sport, the fact it produces athletic-feminine identity paradoxes, and fundamentally that they are impractical (show me a girl who chooses to run a fitness test in a skort?) – I felt I had to share it. I am uncomfortable in my GB skort, it feels like a pencil skirt, and every member of our team trains in shorts. I just didn’t know why we had never been given the option of shorts – it’s because the skort is a remnant of Victorian feminine ideals of women and emphasising female femininity to be acceptable in the realm of masculine sport. We have moved from long dresses to long skirts to skorts. But it is still a gender and sex identifier. I thought if I have this data and I feel this way, I can’t be the only one. I went to England Hockey and asked if we could change our kit policies. The domestic league guidelines changed to include the fact individuals can choose if they wear a skort or shorts. Genuine choice. The momentum is building internationally, and the GB women’s team have been the first to have a mix of shorts/skorts and thereby ‘be the difference, create history, and inspire the future’ (our vision). It makes me incredibly proud. The ‘why’ is for all those who have ever stopped playing the sport they love because of kit or body image concerns.
11. How do you unwind after a match?
I like to relax with friends and family after the game, soak in the atmosphere if we’ve won or debrief and chill if not. Then have a great dinner and I like to take my mind off the game in the evening, but to avoid replaying it in my head I need keep my brain occupied so I’ll watch something inspiring. I LOVE anything with female protagonists and love political / comedy shows and films. If I need to get back to myself, I’ll watch Mrs America or Pitch Perfect or Sister Act!
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25497089/2155199920.jpg)
