Young hockey talent Sienna Dunn, who originates from the Isle of Man, has been selected to join the England under-21s squad in preparation for the upcoming EuroHockey Junior Championships. The 18-year-old athlete has showcased exceptional skill and dedication, leading to her promotion from the under-18s team following an impressive display at assessment trials over the past few months.
Currently enrolled at the University of Nottingham, Dunn previously contributed to the England team’s fourth-place finish at the Junior World Cup held in Chile late last year. Her hard work and commitment have not gone unnoticed, as she and her fellow teammates prepare for a busy 2024 schedule, commencing at Warwick University. This unique combined training programme for the England under-21 and under-18 squads is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering seamless integration and maximizing development opportunities for promising female players.
In the lead-up to the EuroHockey Junior Championships scheduled for July, Dunn and her team are set to embark on a series of crucial preparations, including a trip to Spain over Easter and a visit to France in May, where they will have the exclusive opportunity to play at the Olympic stadium in Paris alongside FIH Pro League matches.
Expressing her excitement about joining the under-21s squad, Sienna Dunn stated, “I am thrilled to have been chosen for the 2024 squad and I am grateful for this opportunity. The competition during trials is incredibly tough, both physically and mentally, but it’s always great to reunite with old teammates and rivals.” When asked about her upcoming challenges, Dunn affirmed her commitment, acknowledging that she still has much to learn and improve upon in the coming months.
Despite being one of the younger players in the squad, Dunn remains unfazed, emphasising that performance is paramount at this level and age differences are inconsequential. She is resolute in her determination to give her all on and off the pitch, expressing gratitude to key figures who have supported her journey thus far, including Paul Jones, Isle of Man Sport Aid, and her steadfast supporters.
This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in Sienna Dunn’s promising career, reflecting her unwavering dedication to the sport and setting the stage for an exciting and challenging road ahead.