Hockeyroos player Rebecca Greiner returned home to inspire local junior players and share her hockey skills.
The former St Luke’s Anglican School student made the Bundaberg Region proud when she helped secure the Hockeyroos a place in the finals at the Commonwealth Games this year.
In the semi-final against India, Rebecca scored the only goal for Australia in the tenth minute before a 1-all draw led to a shootout. The Hockeyroos then brought home silver in the final.
Beck and the Hockeyroos team also won bronze at the World Cup in July.
Coming home to the Bundaberg Region for Christmas after her stellar year, Beck held a skills clinic with local junior hockey players on Sunday.
Beck said holding the local clinic with the 15-year-old rep team and other junior players was a fun way to focus on building skill levels and fitness.
“It was a great way to keep the kids interested in hockey, there was a good turnout, and it went really well,” she said.
“Hockey was really big in Bundaberg when I was growing up.
“We’ve had a lot of good players come through the region.
“Honestly, I was kind of starstruck on Sunday by all the kids and parents who came out.
“There were so many out on the pitch having a hit – it was wonderful to see.”
Beck said it was hard work and dedication that helped her secure a place in the Australian team.
“When I was little, I wasn’t familiar with the Hockeyroos, but I was passionate about the sport,” she said.
“I knew of players like Troy Elder who played for the All Blacks and came from Bundaberg.
“Hearing from people like him was fantastic, and I realised what was achievable.
“The more you keep training the more your dream becomes a reality.
“What happened at the World Cup, honestly, I can’t describe how amazing it was.
“It was a very long tour, we all trained very hard and under a lot of pressure.
“When we got the bronze – it was unbelievable!”
The 23-year-old has now been renamed in the 2023 Hockeyroos Squad and she aims to work hard to be selected in the pro-league.
Beck said her advice for young Bundaberg hockey players would be to ensure they were having fun.
“Focusing on your strengths is just as important as working on your weaknesses,” she said.
“Listen to the feedback you’re given along the way, remembering why you were selected in the first place.
“Your strengths are what makes you an individual player.
“I want to thank everyone who came out to the clinic, I love being back home – I always feel so welcomed by everyone.”
