‘Travelling across the States, enhancing my skills by playing with top players and being trained by coaches who wanted me to succeed as a person additionally to succeeding in the team was fantastic’
BY LEE MAGINNIS
RACHEL Houston has travelled a truly remarkable hockey journey that began at her local Lisnagarvey club where she started playing when in Primary 4.
That journey continued through club hockey, then representing Ulster and Ireland at U16 and U18 age groups, before graduating into something global when she took on a scholarship in the USA. For four years she trained, studied and travelled across the United States to compete in her chosen sport.
Now the forward/attacking midfield player is back in Northern Ireland, playing for top flight Ulster Elks and continuing her studies alongside.
Rachel is eloquent in explaining why she loves the game and the opportunities her scholarship provided.
“Hockey is a fast, dynamic and competitive sport that builds on teamwork, communication and organisation,” Rachel relates.
“I love that hockey gives you the opportunity to travel and compete. I had the amazing opportunity to travel, compete and study abroad on a hockey scholarship in the United States for four years at Rutgers University.
“Travelling across the States, enhancing my skills by playing with top players and being trained by coaches who wanted me to succeed as a person additionally to succeeding in the team was fantastic.
“My time at Rutgers University was incredible. Rutgers is part of the Big10 Conference, the best conference in the country.
“When I first joined the team in 2019, we were always the underdogs. Our team was like a family, you lived with the girls and trained four days a week with two game days and an off day alongside managing your studies and classes before and after training.
“One of our team aims was to ‘leave the shirt better than you found it’ and we certainly did that! In my junior year we climbed the table and finished the season ranked number 1 in the country in Division 1 Field Hockey. Winning the Big10 Championship for the first time in our university’s history across all sports won us big diamond rings!
“Our hard work and dedication brought success. We also entered the NCAA tournament as the number 1 seed! I graduated Rutgers in 2023 with a 4.0 GPA and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Education and was awarded the Big10 Postgraduate Scholarship to put towards my next degree.”
When talking to Rachel it quickly becomes clear that camaraderie within the team is very important, not only in competition, but also in training.
“My favourite aspect of training is the teamwork and energy during drills,” she says.
“I love how everyone pushes each other to improve, and there’s a great sense of motivation and connection on the pitch. It’s not just about developing skills—it’s about building chemistry and communication with the team.
“Additionally, each session gives me a chance to improve individually while also contributing to the team’s overall performance. The fast pace keeps it exciting and rewarding.”
Rachel also mentions that her least favourite aspect of training is defending 2v1’s! Which makes a pleasant change from the usual shying away from endurance work. Rachel has even been known to run the odd 5K!
Having just joined Ulster Elks last year, she lists their home pitch at Jordanstown as her favourite venue. But it’s maybe time for a little extra development at the stadium as Rachel likes venues with a stand…’so that my granny can come and watch too!’
“The Ulster Elks are supportive, competitive, and close-knit. Everyone works hard to improve, but we also make sure to encourage one another and keep the atmosphere fun. The coaches are dedicated and really focus on helping us grow both as players and as team-mates,” Rachel adds
An Elk Rachel may be, but she also is an adult nursing student at Queen’s University, Belfast.
She plays padel and has a big interest in animals. At her family farm she keeps pygmy goats. She also has several dogs, some of whom have even been known to come and watch her play hockey!
“I have always had a passion for animals,” she says. “Growing up on a farm you learn very quickly that you have to get stuck in and play your part. My family has been utilising my nursing degree by ensuring I’m the one giving all the sheep and goats injections!
“If I am not at university or on a hockey pitch you would probably find me walking the dogs in the park. Oonagh and Sceolan are two gentle giants that love cuddles and want to greet everyone they see, so a 30 minute walk normally turns into over an hour.”
What are Rachel’s aims for the season and further ahead?
“I want to keep improving my skills and to make a strong contribution to the team’s success. I am focusing on consistency in my passing and decision-making, and helping the team build strong communication on the field.
“Longer term, to continue to enjoy playing hockey for as long as I can – knees please don’t give out!
Elks action
USA action
With USA team-mates
In Rutger University colours
Big trophies in the USA
A diamond ring for winning US Big 10 Champiosnhip
With pets Oonagh and Sceolan
Boyfriend Craig Taylor, who plays football for Annagh United, gets checked by security on arrival at the farm
