Sylvie McCarroll

Hockey Background 

I am a fully committed and dedicated team player with a passion for hockey. I continuously work to improve my skills and overcome obstacles to be the best I can. I am always focussed on the pitch and feel encouraged to learn from my mistakes.

I am a current sports scholar at school and captained my team at U14, U15 and U16 level. We were national champions in 2024. I am an integral member of the school first team and received the award for outstanding contribution to school sport. I love playing hockey and am an ambassador for my school both on and off the pitch.

I captained teams at Whitchurch Hockey Club, being successful in national championship competitions at U11, U14, U16 and U18 level. I played for the ladies’ first team and received several club awards including Coaches’ Player of the Year. I am lucky to have some amazing coaches and believe it is important to give something back, so I regularly volunteered assisting the adult coaching team, contributing to the development of the younger players. The essential elements of a relationship with my coaches are trust, respect and understanding.

I recently moved to Cardiff & Met Hockey club where I can continue to progress, develop and play at a higher level and I currently play in the ladies second team and train with the ladies first team and performance squad.

In January 2022, aged fifteen, I was selected for the U18 Wales girls’ national squad. I have represented Wales against Ulster, in a test match series against Canada, the Four Nations tournament in Ireland, (playing against Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands) and twice at the England Hockey Talent Academy. I have been proud to wear the national kit and build and develop on what have been exceptional opportunities for me.

Whichever shirt I wear, I love to play as part of a team where we all win or lose together. Hockey has made me a more confident person and I always aim to inspire and encourage my teammates. When I play in midfield, I always work hard to support my teammates, ensuring that we keep our structure. In particular, communication is crucial so that we can stay in control throughout the game, and I always work hard to ensure this is our focus.

Why US College Field Hockey?

Playing at international level for Wales has broadened my outlook on life and the experience of playing in other countries against girls of different nationalities has enriched my hockey experience. I’ve made some great friends and the opportunity to belong to and play for a US college would provide me with a whole new perspective on the sport and shape my development on the next step of my hockey adventure. 

It would be exciting to experience life in a new country with access to first class sports facilities and excellent coaching and to make new friends in a fun, positive and supportive environment. My hockey experience so far has made me feel proud, driven, passionate and resilient. The opportunity to meet girls with a similar outlook to me, from different backgrounds and cultures, with a drive to succeed and play in a competitive environment would be an experience that will stay with me for life.

The breadth of a liberal arts education attracts me as I enjoy a range of subjects. My academic studies are important to me but a balance between playing hockey at a high level whilst also studying a varied syllabus with the support of respected professors, tutors and coaches would be unique.

I would like to belong to a college where I can step out of my comfort zone but continue to be myself; to be bold, feel challenged, develop and flourish in a supportive and vibrant community environment where there are no limits and where I can surprise myself with what I could achieve. 

When I am not playing hockey, I enjoy music and play the classical guitar (Grade 8). I was a chorister for four years at Llandaff Cathedral and am an active member of several school choirs. I am currently working towards my Grade 8 singing exam.