IRELAND HOCKEY star Nicci Daly has decided to walk away from hockey.
Daly since making her debut in 2010 has made 33 appearances for her country. The game Great Britain earlier this year was her last.
The 33-year-old's highlights included a summer at this year's Olympic Games in Tokyo, a 2018 World Cup silver medal, and five European Championships.
Tokyo , Japan - 24 July 2021; Nicci Daly of Ireland during the Women's Pool A Group Stage match between Ireland and South Africa an. (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Daly gave her thoughts on the news today,
“When I reflect on my career, there were definitely an even share of highs and lows both personally and collectively with the team,”
“There are so many things I could talk about over the 12 years but I think one of the most important things I can take away is how much sport can teach you about yourself. It forces you to discover who you really are.
“You learn to understand how you behave when you’re challenged, how you deal with your emotions under pressure and how you choose to approach those challenges.
“You have to be honest with yourself; you have to be willing to have a growth mindset so that you’re always learning and always growing not just as a player but as a person.
“That’s one of the biggest takeaways I can take from my career. How it forced me to discover who I really am and why I was doing it.
“It wouldn’t have been the journey it was without the group and the team of players around me. The different coaches provided something different and I either learned something about myself or my hockey from each of them.
Green Army superstar Nicci Daly has announced her retirement from international hockey following 200 caps and playing a dynamic role in the Green Army’s golden period since making her debut in 2010. https://t.co/vmcwAZSfIF pic.twitter.com/OlS3RoreRT
— Hockey Ireland (@irishhockey) December 10, 2021
“I have made some of the best friends over the 12 years and I couldn’t have kept going without them pushing me and supporting me along the way.
“My family and very close friends have been the backbone of my support system. I could not have done it without them, especially my mother who shows me what resilience really is.
“I like to think I get my drive from my dad and my strength and resilience from my Mum. My uncle Derek was hugely influential. Having had a career at the top level himself, I trusted him and looked up to him. He helped transform the mental side of my game and I am so grateful for his support. A special mention to my nana, an unrelenting energy and inspiration.
“A massive thanks to all our sponsors and individual sponsors who supported and continue to support me.
“It has been a special journey and I feel so lucky to have been part of such a great team for as long as I have. I won’t miss the sore body and aching joints, but I will miss the team and the feeling of walking out to represent my country. 200 appearances and every single time I got butterflies when the national anthem played.
“It’s been special, it’s been emotional, and it’s been a dream come true.
“Thank you.”
