Hockey alumnus gains England caps

The Management and Marketing graduate (2012) travelled with the squad to the Low Countries for a tour in preparation for the World League semi-final in Malaysia at the end of June.

Despite being defeated in all three matches by an on-form Belgian side, Tom was pleased to have broken into the international ranks and is optimistic about the up-coming tournament. He said: “It was unfortunate to have lost all three games, but as a learning experience we can take a lot of positives and things to improve on away from this tour.

“It was really good for me to get my first caps and this will hopefully help me to get up to match level.”

June promises to be a busy month for the Reading HC striker who flies out to Germany on 14 June for two more matches against the Olympic Champions over the weekend before jetting out to Malaysia for the World League.

England will join the World League in the semi-final group stage to face Malaysia, Pakistan and South Africa in their bid to reach the quarter finals, and clinch one of the twelve qualification spots for the 2014 World Cup.

Hockey is one of the University’s 10 focus sports and Tom enjoyed great success during his time with the men’s club. In 2010 and 2012 the side won the British Universities and Colleges Sport National Championships and have competed in the national premier league. Whilst studying Tom was part of the University of Exeter’s acclaimed Sports Scholarship Scheme which offers dedicated coaching and support to talented young athletes.

Since leaving University Tom has built on these successes, signing for Premier League side Reading. In November 2012 he joined fellow Alumni Scholars Oliver Deasy and Nick Page on the international stage as the club entered the Euro Hockey League, where he scored two vital goals en-route to the quarter finals.  

Assistant Director of Sport (Performance and Competitions) highlighted how the University aimed to create a platform for elite hockey players to break into the national and international ranks.

He commented: “Hockey is one of the most successful sports at the University of Exeter and has received a significant investment over the past five years to provide the best training facilities and programmes possible. Tom is testament to this; throughout his time with at the University Tom consistently displayed his talent and commitment to the sport and his position in the national team is thoroughly deserved. 

“We have a number of incredibly talented hockey players coming through our programmes every year and will continue to do everything we can to nurture and develop some of the best hockey players in the country.”