From the outside, it would appear to be a meteoric rise for the second-year Clinical Exercise Physiology student. But Colwill said her achievements over the past three months have been the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

“I wouldn’t say I was expecting to be awarded this many opportunities thus far,” she said.

“Though these selections may have been in rather quick succession, it’s been a long journey to reach this point and I’m fortunate to be one of 18 players to take part in the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.

“To find out I was playing for the Hockeyroos was a memory that is unparalleled to any other, and my first cap for Australia will remain one of the best highlights of my sporting journey.” 

At the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, the Hockeyroos lost their gold medal match 4–1 to New Zealand, and Colwill said the team will be aiming to go one better than their silver medal performance this time around.

But she also acknowledged their need to re-set as they prepare to tackle a second major tournament in consecutive months.

“The team headed to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games immediately after the World Cup [played in Spain and the Netherlands], so there’s not a lot of time to relax,” the midfielder said.

“This World Cup has allowed me to dive deeper into international hockey and gain a clearer understanding of the great efforts and physicality the sport requires.

“But overall, the team and I have been focussed on our process and way of play. This comes with great attention to detail in all aspects of our game.” 

Colwill grew up in Mackay, in North Queensland, and said she is excited to follow in the footsteps of fellow Mackay athletes such as Olympians Cathy Freeman and Geoff Huegill, as well as Australian hockey representatives Baeden Choppy, Stephen Lambert, Matthew Swann, Tracey Belbin, Kirsten Dwyer and Teneal Attard.

“It’s an honour to be following in the footsteps of those Mackay athletes who came before me. They have inspired many young athletes and have given numerous people around the world something to aspire to,” she said.

“Mackay was where I first learned many of the core skills of hockey. Having the opportunity to access the facilities on a regular basis, I was able to accelerate my progression through hockey.

“Today, I have access to some of the best coaches, facilities and equipment, but I will always appreciate the time and support I was given back home. The town continues to celebrate my success in the media, through private messages and in person.”

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