As we inch closer to the start of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 season on December 9, we are pleased to bring you an exclusive pre-season interview series with players and coaches from the best hockey countries in the world participating in the “League of the Best”.
This series delves into the minds of the sport’s best athletes and coaches, revealing their thoughts on the upcoming season, personal goals and the strategies their teams are developing to compete at the highest level. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these interviews provide unique insight into the passion, preparation and drive that fuel the teams competing for glory.
In today’s interview we speak with Sarah Hawkshaw, captain of the Irish women’s hockey team — who will make their debut in the competition in Season 7, having earned promotion through the 2024/25 FIH Hockey Nations Cup!
How excited are you to make your FIH Hockey Pro League debut?
“We are incredibly excited about our Pro League debut in Dublin in December. Not only that, but staging our first Pro League matches adds to the excitement. Having followed our men’s national team in the tournament over the past two years, we have seen the importance of competing in the Pro League, and how they have matched numerous top nations from around the world. We see the tournament as a vital opportunity for our squad to play consistently at the highest level all year round, as the format of the tournament offers something different to what we are used to. as it runs as a year-long competition, rather than the traditional international tournament-style competition. The game of hockey is moving at a fast pace, and being part of the Pro League will increase Green Army’s momentum as we enter key years with the World Cup and Olympic qualifications.”
How special is it to be able to play these matches in Ireland in front of our own audience?
“Playing these matches at home brings an extra sense of pride, not just for us as players, but for our supporters and the hockey community. We know our Irish supporters have traveled far and wide to support us on the international calendar and here is an opportunity to give something back to them and bring the best hockey nations to our own backyard. It also gives us the opportunity to bring the love of hockey into the lives of more people as we reach a wider audience on the island of Ireland who truly love sport. Home advantage makes a difference in sport, and we will ensure you maximize its potential. We look forward to seeing a sea of green on the sidelines at Sport Ireland Campus.”
What are your ambitions for this Pro League season?
“Our ambition for this season’s Pro League is to take it one match at a time, as we know that every match offers the opportunity to increase our world rankings with such a concentration of high caliber teams. We believe that we belong to this class of hockey nations and that we can compete in every match and achieve multiple victories in the coming season.”
Apart from Ireland, which stage of the FIH Pro League are you most looking forward to?
“It’s hard not to mention Hobart, Australia as an exciting stage ahead. A country that also loves sport and is a country where I don’t think any of us have ever played an international match, it will be new territory for all of us. Even now that it’s all over the world, we expect to see some familiar faces here supporting us from the sidelines.”
Which opponent are you most excited to play against?
“I don’t think there is one country above the other, I could say that. Having consistently competed in all but one of the top-level majors over the last eight years, we have played against all competing countries. Each match will bring its own challenges and opportunities, and we will be happy to stand proudly in the Green Jersey.”
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