If you are looking for Manor Lakes’ Claudia Beamish, she’ll probably be on a hockey pitch.
The talented 13-year-old has been juggling senior and junior hockey commitments while also playing for Victoria – in both indoor and outdoor competitions.
She also represented her schools, Iramoo Primary School and then Mackillop Regional College, in title-winning teams.
And she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“My dad used to play hockey and so did my two brothers,” she said.
“I slowly fell in love with it.
“My mum played netball and tried to get me to play that … but I followed dad.”
Beamish started playing hockey at Werribee Hockey Club, where she is now part of their senior women’s side in Hockey Victoria’s Vic League 2 competition.
She’s also playing under-16s for Altona in the under-16 shield competition.
Even though she was the youngest player in Altona’s under-16s this season, she won her side’s best and fairest award. Beamish said she enjoys playing for both sides.
“I started at Werribee and then moved to Altona to gain some more experience.
“Altona has a premier league side, and there’s a lot more opportunities to play for the state,” Beamish said.
“It can be hard – I’ve got to remember who I’m playing for.
“It’s a lot faster in seniors.”
Despite being just 13, Beamish has been part of four Victorian teams, twice competing at Australian National Outdoor Hockey championships and Australian National Indoor Hockey tournaments.
Last year she was part of the Victorian white team for the outdoor championships.
This year she made the top team, which won nine of 11 matches on its way to winning the title.
“Dad and mum mentioned it to me, and I liked the sound of it, so I tried out,” she said.
“I was playing against other states, and it was the first time I’d played field hockey at state level.
“This year, I was a bit nervous, and there was a lot more pressure to get in, as I was top age.
“We didn’t expect to play like that,” she said.
Beamish has twice won gold at indoor tournaments.
Although she normally plays in the midfield or the half positions, Beamish has also added another bow to her game this year.
She played defence at the outdoor championships.
“I had never played defence … I had played one or two club games, and never enjoyed it.
“I still love the half or centre, but I’ll put my hand up for defence now.”
Beamish is the monthly nominee for the Don Deeble Rising Star award.
The Don Deeble Rising Star award recognises young athletes from the western suburbs who have achieved outstanding results at state and/or national levels.
The award is run by Sunshine Western Region Sports Club and Star Weekly.
Beamish will receive $1000, donated by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, and other prizes that will assist her in achieving her sports goals.
