Hannah Cromarty’s journey to the Masters Hockey World Cup in South Africa has been nothing short of extraordinary.
The dedicated Papdale Primary School teacher emerged as a standout performer in the Scotland over-35s squad, reaching the quarter-finals of this prestigious international tournament.
Competing as vice-captain, Cromarty and her teammates displayed remarkable skill and determination throughout the competition, securing two wins and a draw in the group stages.
Their performance was particularly impressive, becoming one of the few teams to progress without conceding a goal – a feat that filled Cromarty with immense pride as a defender.
The squad’s ultimate challenge came against the Netherlands, a powerhouse in international hockey, where they narrowly missed advancing after a last-minute goal sealed their tournament fate.
Preparation for the World Cup demanded significant commitment, with Cromarty attending monthly training weekends and managing both financial and time constraints through local business support and family backing.
Despite the intense physical and mental challenges of playing seven games in ten days, Cromarty found the experience incredibly rewarding, even finding time to explore South Africa’s stunning landscapes.
Looking forward, she’s already set her sights on the European Championships in Valencia and is excited about Orkney’s upcoming interisland hockey tournament in 2025, where they remain the reigning champions.
Her message resonates with aspiring athletes: age is no barrier to sporting excellence, and Masters events continue to open incredible opportunities for passionate sportspeople.
