HOCKEY prospect Lily Atkins from Tinonee has enjoyed a successful few weeks.
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The 11-year-old has been named in the NSW primary schools team to play in the Australian championships in Bendigo later this month. This will be her debut in NSW's Sky Blue colours.
If that wasn't enough, Lily was named the player of the tournament at the Kim Small Shield, an under 11 development tournament played in Tamworth.
Lily is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana. She was nominated by Tigers Hockey Club.
Lily's road to Bendigo started when she gained selection in the Hunter side to contest the State championships held in Sydney.
Hunter performed credibly, finishing fifth from 13 teams.
A midfielder, Lily thought she played okay, but still wasn't too confident about her chances of making the NSW team.
But her form was obviously good enough.
At this stage she isn't sure what position she'll be playing in Bendigo, where the NSW team will be among the favourites for overall honours.
However, she'll attend a two day training camp next week in Maitland and expects to find out more there.
Lily was a member of the Manning under 11s side that contested the Kim Small Shield in Tamworth last month. More than 50 girls and boys sides from throughout NSW took part in the tournament.
Lily led Manning's charge, earning the player of the tournament award. Manning remained unbeaten and did not concede a goal. As it is a development event, no semi-finals or finals were played.
Born into a hockey family - her dad, Mark, is a former Australian Country representative and a long term player with the Taree Tigers club - Lily's first formal introduction to the game was when she was three in Manning Hockey's minkey program.
From there she moved into the competitive ranks - naturally with Tigers - when she was aged seven.
Lily's already had a taste of representative hockey as she was a member of the Manning under 13 side that contested the State championships earlier this year.
Lily's busy on Saturday, playing for two Tiger teams in the Manning junior competition. She plays in the under 11s and the 13s, with the 11s currently on top of the ladder while the 13s are third.
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Lily's involved in the full gamut of sporting teams at Tinonee Public School. She's also keen on athletics and will contest the Manning Zone championships today.
She faces a busy program in track and field, from the 100 and 200 metres through to the 800 along with the long jump.
