Hockey star to compete at international level
A student is seeing out her final year at Leicester representing university sporting excellence as part of the 20-strong England Universities women’s hockey team.
Abigail McLindon, student in the School of Archaeology & Ancient History, was selected to join the squad following her participation in the England Universities annual North v South challenge cup, during which she represented the South team.
Following the tournament’s conclusion, Abii received confirmation that she had been chosen to represent the England Universities women’s hockey team in two upcoming international fixtures.
During her time at Leicester Abii has played an instrumental role in the development of the women’s hockey programme, dedicating many hours to training and playing alongside committee roles. She has also mentored other members of the programme whilst maintaining her academic commitments.
Abii's first game will be against Hockey for Heroes (England over 35’s), followed by the squad travelling to Brussels to play the Belgium U21’s with both games being played in June.
Abii said: "The scholarship programme offered by the University has helped me to secure my dream of playing hockey at international level. Following my success against the Welsh and Scottish teams last year I was eager to get selected to play against the Belgium squad this year and I am delighted to have achieved this. The programme made this feasible by supporting me through every step of selection with PT sessions, physio and sports massages.
“My sporting experiences at Leicester have played a major role in my time at University and some of my best memories have been with the University hockey team. I look forward to representing both the University and England Universities in the forthcoming fixtures!"
Steve Bayley, Sports Experience Officer at Leicester, added: "Abii’s England Universitities Hockey selection is a testament to Abii’s abilities to successfully combine her academics and sporting commitments.
"Abii’s sporting ability was recognised at an early age but with the assistance offered by the Universities Sport Scholarship programme, Abii has developed a range of transferable skills and core values which have prepared her for future success.”