She's been representing Manning since she was 10. However, at the recent titles held in Tamworth Lara had her first experience playing in the field. Previously she'd been the goal keeper.

Lara admits it was a tough initiation. However, her form was good enough to gain selection in the NSW under 13 team to contest the Australian championships in Canberra next January.

Lara is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana.

Manning played division one at Tamworth and with no organised indoor hockey played here, it was a battle.

"We only won one game and that was the last one, so we stay in division one next year,'' Lara explained.

She rated her form at Tamworth as 'okay' but was surprised when her name was read out in the State squad.

Lara had success at the under 13 outdoor championship held earlier in the year when she was a member of the Manning side coached by Leanne Yarnold that won the division two title. She was invited to trial for the State side and while she missed out, Lara will still be eligible for under 13s in 2015.

Manning will be in division one next year for the championships.

A centre half, Lara plays for Sharks in the Manning junior competition. She was also a member of the Taree High open side that made the State finals.

She's a versatile athlete, also excelling in cross country and 800m. She was the Hunter region champion in both and as such qualified for the State titles.

However, she didn't make either.

A virus forced her to withdraw from the cross country and then the State athletics championship was held the same day as Lara's soccer and hockey grand finals. It was a difficult decision but Lara opted to stay home for the grand finals. She lost both.

While she's had no formal training for either she puts in the hard yards at training, clocking 20km a week running tracks near her Moorland home.