Graduation day
BY LEE MAGINNIS
JENNA McCarlie has been a vital player in Ulster Premier League champions QUB’s push to the top flight in Irish hockey, scoring around 20 goals across all competitions. Jenna will be to the fore again this season as they make their All Ireland top division debut, having gained promotion last term.
Graduating from the School of Dentistry at the same time as gaining promotion, the midfielder/forward is now relishing the challenge of the new season alongside starting work at a dental practice.
Always keen to give back, academically and in sport, this hugely popular sportswoman has been described as an ambassador for QUB hockey.
Jenna counts it a privilege to be the captain of a team with such ability and dedication, not just team mates, but friends, with whom she has risen through the Ulster and Irish ranks alongside.
She’s not new to the role, having captained at Ulster U18, Ulster U21 and Ireland U21 levels.
As well as the friendship, Jenna thrives on the competitiveness of the game – she plays both outdoors and indoors – indeed playing for Ireland”s senior indoor team last season.
Jenna started playing hockey aged seven and it is a family member that she credits with getting her involved.
“My Nana” Jenna fondly relates.
“She was a hockey player herself and Vice President of Larne Ladies Hockey Club at the time.
“My sister and I come from a sporty family so many of my childhood memories involve sailing, hockey, netball, golf or tennis. We, of course, couldn’t keep them all up so we chose sailing and hockey competitively.”
The sailing was so successful that Jenna found herself competing at home, across Ireland and the UK and across Europe.
She again had family mentors in that sport with her dad and grandad being sailors.
Before going to study at Queen’s, Jenna’s hockey prowess was already showing.
She had been playing at Larne Ladies, and then Ulster Elks.
Mixing up sport and academia at high levels is not an easy task.
“It was difficult around exam seasons, Jenna admits, “but I was always grateful for the support I received through Queen’s hockey and my Dentistry tutors.
“It kept me very disciplined whilst maintaining enjoyment in both.”
For the last two seasons, Jenna has been grateful to Adidas for sponsoring her as she has achieved great success in her sport.
“Promotion to the top flight with Queen’s after years of hard work and development as a squad was really special,” she says.
Representing Ulster and Ireland is always a privilege, but recently, representing Ireland in their Senior Women’s Indoor squad, playing in South Africa, America and Malaysia was an amazing opportunity.”
When it comes to training, Jenna loves ‘Seeing the girls, trying new things and small sided games as we are all very competitive!’
She also insists: “It is one of the most important aspects of your game but it’s never fun, fitness!”
In the short term, Jenna is keen to constantly improve as a team throughout the season, overcome but enjoy the challenges, and secure a place in the top league again the following season.
“A lot of hard work and success from previous and current Queen’s alumni got us to this point, and we are determined to stay here,” she adds.
Long term, Jenna wants to enjoy more success at indoor and outdoor hockey.
So with this exciting new season about to begin, watch out for Jenna McCarlie and her QUB squad.
“We are really excited for the opportunity and challenge, we have worked very hard over pre-season and look forward to competing weekly against the top teams,” she affirms.
Playing for Ireland
Queen’s title celebration
