Susie Gilbert, third year Geography, has been named in the squad of 16 women’s hockey players to represent England at the Commonwealth games to be held in Delhi, India from October 3-14.
21-year-old Susie already has 27 England caps under her belt, most recently helping the team to secure bronze at the Champions Trophy held in Nottingham, by scoring the leveller in a 2-1 triumph over Germany.
The women’s team has a successful history at the games since the introduction of hockey in 1998, winning two Games silvers (’98 and ’02) and a bronze (’06).
Team-mate Alys Brooks will be linking up with Wales to end its 12-year women’s hockey absence from the Games - they have not sent a squad since 1998.
The recent graduate and ex-scholars place was secured in the squad of 17 after the teams 2009 bronze medal winning performance at European Championships, held in Rome.
Head coach Phil Gooderham said ‘Obviously this is a tremendous honour for Susie and Alys to represent England and Wales respectively at the Commonwealth Games, both of whom are very deserving of this status.’
He continued: ‘I am sure they will do themselves, their Countries and the University of Birmingham proud, as they always do.’
Also booked on the plane to Delhi is 2007 Commerce graduate Simon Mantell, who has been named in England’s 16-strong men’s squad.
The England regular will be looking to put to rest bad memories of England’s participation in the World Cup also held in Delhi, when he broke his foot during a warm-up match in Doha against Pakistan.