Sophie Bray MBE appointed as Director of Junior Hockey...

Old Georgians HC are delighted to appoint Olympic Gold Medallist Sophie Bray MBE as the new Director of Junior Hockey. Still considered one of world hockey’s best attackers, Sophie continues to have a incredibly successful playing career, alongside a wealth of experience coaching in the UK and overseas.

Prior to joining East Grinstead HC, the University of Birmingham graduate and hockey player moved to the Netherlands to compete in the Hoofdklasse for MOP and Kampong and aided her rise on the international scene after breaking into the side after the London 2012 Olympics. Coming off the back of another successful season for East Grinstead HC, Sophie has a staggering goal scoring record, racking up 42 goals in her last two seasons for the club. Having spent her time in Holland as a youth trainer for multiple junior teams and her involvement in coaching camps across the UK, Sophie is the perfect role model for aspiring hockey players at Old Georgians HC.

Starting hockey at a young age, Sophie Bray first made her mark scoring the gold-medal winning goal for GB against the hosts at the 2011 Australian Youth Olympic Festival. However, this was only the start of what would become an outstanding international career. Often regarded as speedy and skilful, Bray helped GB to gold at her first Olympic Games in Rio 2016 after helping England to European Gold on home soil in 2015. She also has Commonwealth Games and World League Finals medals to her name. Sophie represented England and GB 134 times and scored 44 goals in total, earning her status as a formidable forward on the international stage over the last ten years.

Bray, the Hockey Writers’ Club women’s player of the year, has mixed domestic enjoyment with a new life after international hockey as a business analyst in the city. Having played county tennis for Surrey and football for Fulham Ladies, she remains active, mixing working life with five-a-side midweek football, pilates and running.

Commenting on her appointment she said "I'm passionate about youngsters having opportunity through sport to learn important values and skills. I think it's essential to give players a strong technical and tactical base. Old Georgians have a great up and coming junior section and I can't wait to get started".

Steph Elliott steps down as lead coach of the Dragons and hands the reigns over to Sophie. Old Georgians would like to thank Steph for her incredible work and commitment over the last couple of years. Under her leadership the junior section of the club has come on leaps and bounds, and we wish her all the best with her future endeavours.

We look forward to seeing Sophie leading our junior section, Dragons.

Welcome Sophie!

Noel Doran, Club chairman

Mike Hughes, Director of Hockey

Chris Jansen, Club president