An AS level student based at Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys campus proved she has what it takes to get to the top when she was selected to play hockey for Wales.
Isabel Marsh, 16, from Newport, who balances her sporting activities with full time AS level studies at the college, was selected to represent South East Wales, South Wales, Welsh under 18s squad and the Welsh College’s hockey team his season.
The talented sportswoman made her mark in college hockey matches after starting at the Campus in September.
After being put forward for the Welsh College’s trials by Sports Lecturer Mererid Dark, Isabel attended further successful hockey trials in Nottingham for the British College’s hockey team competing against the top hockey goalkeepers from English and Welsh FE colleges. At these trials she was selected as the squad’s third place goalkeeper against players two years older than herself.
Isabel’s Lecturer Mererid Dark said: “In ten years teaching at the college, Isabel is one of the most talented hockey players I’ve seen – being a goalkeeper requires excellent reaction time, coordination and discipline, qualities that Isabel poses in abundance.”
Last month Isabel also took part in trials for a Scotland hockey tour with the Welsh U18 squad, she said: “I’m really looking forward to playing for Wales and representing my country. At the moment I’m really putting in the fitness training to prepare for up and coming trials, and working on my goalkeeping footwork and handwork skills.”
Speaking about her sport, the student who also plays for Newport Ladies first team, said: “It gives me a real buzz to play competitive sport, especially when I save a vital goal. Playing hockey is something I’ve been keen to continue whilst at college, and I get a lot of enjoyment from the game.”
Although it can be tough balancing top level sport as well as AS levels in media, photography, business and IT, Isabel works hard to stay on top of her subjects.
She added: “I always make sure I’m up to date with my course work before playing sport, and I try and be as organised as possible.”
Isabel is not the only student finding national sporting success at Crosskeys Campus, AS Level student Sophie Williams, 16, was also recently selected for the Welsh under 17 Netball squad, Welsh Colleges netball team and the South East Wales under 18s team and Welsh Hub Development Squad.