THREE gold medals in the last 12 months is what Teleah Walker has to show for her efforts on the hockey field.
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The Camden Haven Hockey Club player capped off a remarkable year when she played an integral role in the New South Wales under-13 Lions’ girls indoor hockey team’s success at Goulburn.
It was her third success following a victory with the same age division team last year, before further success followed with the under-13 girls outdoor team in Tasmania.
Walker conceded just four goals in nine matches as the Lions roared to the title, finishing with an impressive six wins, two draws and one loss record.
Two of those goals came in the final.
The win replicated her success in goals last year although the teenager said the 2019 victory was more satisfying.
“This one is the most satisfying because it was with a whole new group of girls,” she said.
“We had some tough games, but it was good to create that bond with a new group.”
The goalkeeper’s strong performance in goal gained her the recognition from her coach.
“At the end of the tournament the coach told me I had improved so much and that was good because they’ve coached a lot of girls at a high level,” she said.
“It’s good to hear that sort of thing from someone else.”
Walker said this year’s experience was easier because she knew what to expect after being in the lower age bracket of the under-13 division last year.
“I had a taste to see what it was like before, but indoor and outdoor hockey are two completely different games,” she said.
“I would probably choose indoor because you always have to be engaged in the game whereas in outdoor if you have good defence you can be standing around.”
Fellow Port Macquarie-Hastings Hockey Association representative Bayden Smith was involved in NSW Lions’ under-13 boys second-place finish.