At the heart of Women's Hockey, you'll find Isadora Rawlinson. Starting in the class of Covid, Isadora found friendship, community, and confidence during some of the most isolated times, forming what she calls 'home' in Women's Hockey. The nominee for Sports Personality of the Year tells us about all the club has achieved in giving back to the community.
My journey into hockey
I got into hockey somewhat haphazardly. I joined UCL in the depths of Covid-19 and struggled to find my feet. Lectures were online, and we were sent home for a cumulative six months. I was incredibly lucky to become friends with some people in my halls who played hockey and encouraged me to join in my second year. Despite very little experience and a loss of self-confidence, I decided to join. Hockey saved my view of university by providing a tight-knit group of girls with shared interests and a desire to have fun. I became a proud member of UCLWHC’s 2nd team and I am now president.
I got into hockey, somewhat haphazardly. I joined UCL in the depths of Covid-19 and struggled to find my feet."
Fundraising
My highlight has to be all the fundraising we've done as a team. We organized a pub quiz with UCL Dodgeball and Snowsports to raise money for MindOut, a mental health charity for LGBTQ+ individuals. Finally, in the last week of term, we held a big fundraiser for the Grace O’Malley-Kumar Foundation in collaboration with RUMSWHC and RUMSMHC. Grace, an avid hockey player and inspiring individual, tragically lost her life last while heroically protecting a friend last June. The hockey community really felt her loss and we have members who knew her. We honored her with an exhibition game at Southgate HC, Grace’s home club, and raised over £500 in her honor.
What I have learned about myself
Being president has taught me so much about resilience and balancing passions with time. I never thought I would love a sport and group of women as much as I do now. Women’s Hockey at UCL has been my proverbial home amidst the chaos and pressure of university, and I can never thank everyone enough for what the club has given me.
Women's Hockey at UCL has been my proverbial home."
If I could give my past self a message, it would be that things do work out for the better. You will make mistakes, but that's normal and everyone does. You will find that lovely community. It doesn't have to be women's hockey; it could be any sport or society.
I have also gained so much. The routine, friendships, and enjoyment derived from hockey cannot be overstated. It has been so beneficial for my mental health, and I've met some truly amazing people who have gone on to become my closest friends, bonding through face paint, pouring rain training sessions, and Spaghetti Hoops.
