Imogen Davies, of Kilmacolm, has recently committed to Yale University with a field hockey scholarship. We’re pleased that Imogen was able to take some time out from her current studies to tell us a bit more about herself and what she is looking forward to the most about studying in the states.
Imogen has resided in Kilmacolm since the age of nine and has attended St Columba's School since Primary 4, which she tells us she has thoroughly enjoyed. Her field hockey career began at seven when she began to play for a local club. Imogen the kept up the sport upon moving to St Columba's School.
With regards to her playing career so far, Imogen had this to say...
“In second year I was selected for South West U16 and I have continued to play U16 and U18 for the past 5 years in Scotland's inter-district tournament (captaining U16 in 2014 and U18 in 2016). After playing for South West, I was selected for the U16 Scotland development squad and played for one year in this squad, with one series against Ulster. I then moved up to the U16 National Squad and played in 3 series against Wales, Ireland and England and also in a tournament in Holland. This season I have been part of the U18 National squad and we just won a Tri-Nations tournament against Wales and Switzerland in April 2017. I have also been in my school First XI for three years as well as playing in National division 1 for Kelburne Ladies First XI for three seasons.”
With an impressive list of sporting achievements behind her, Imogen told us about her favourite sporting memory so far; when she scored two goals in a game against England for the Scotland U16 team. Due to the rivalry between Scotland and England, Imogen told us it felt amazing to put two goals past a side that was "supposedly significantly better than hers".
Imogen told us that studying in the US was something she wanted to do because of the way sport is regarded there. Stating, “the competitive nature of college sport and the whole ethos around student athletes in general is something I knew I could only experience in America. I also knew that America had some of the world's best universities and the opportunity to study at one of these, whilst playing the sport I love at the highest level seemed like a combination I couldn't turn down.”
[caption id="attachment_11178" align="aligncenter" width="337"] Imogen will be joining the Yale Bulldogs[/caption]With regard to the scholarship process, Imogen knew from the beginning that she wished to attend a top academic institution, so told us the process of applications and interviews was quite lengthy. However, this gave Imogen the opportunity to better understand the American college system and speak to a wide range of schools, so she said the process was definitely worthwhile.
Having secured her scholarship at the prestigious Yale University, we asked Imogen what her reasons were behind her choosing this university…
“I visited Yale in October of 2016 and I really did fall in love with it. The campus is stunning and the people are so interesting! I also felt like it had a really international student body and this was important to me. The main reason I chose Yale over other schools was because the team were so close and welcoming and as soon as I met them and Pam (the coach), I felt like I was already a Bulldog.”
Upon heading out to the states, Imogen told us she is most looking forward to playing hockey with others her age, in an even faster and more physical game. Also she is excited to be studying amongst all the amazing students at Yale, and having the opportunity to develop as a student as well as an athlete.
Finally, we asked Imogen where she sees herself being in ten years time…
“Well I am hoping to study global affairs/ international relations and so in ten years time I would love to be working for the UN or an associated organisation (whilst still playing hockey of course). “
We would like to wish Imogen the best of luck with both her studies and her playing at Yale University. We will keep you updated on her progress through our various social media platforms.
