Kilgraston alumnae presentation - Emily Dark
We always love to hear from Kilgraston alumnae and recently, Kilgraston was delighted to welcome back (virtually), Emily Dark.
Emily graduated from Kilgraston in 2017 and is now studying physics at St Andrews University. She has also played for Scotland and one to keep an eye on for the GB squad in future years.
In her talk to pupils, Emily chartered her hockey career from when she started playing at Kilgraston at the age of eight through to being Scotland’s youngest ever capped female player, to now, when she is training as part of the GB Elite Development Programme (EDP).
Emily, who plays all positions and in 2019 competed at the Senior European Championships in Glasgow 2019 where Scotland won gold and Emily won under 21 player of the tournament, also discussed how she’s dealt with set backs and how she has a mental attitude to never give up.
Thanks to Emily for a wonderful session. You can read more about Emily’s numerous successes here.
Former pupil to train with senior Great Britain hockey squad
Former Kilgraston pupil Emily Dark is to train with the senior Great Britain hockey squad. Emily, who graduated from Kilgraston in 2018, said: “It has been an ambition of mine to play for GB for so many years, so to be offered this opportunity to train with them for the next three weeks is unbelievable.
“I am incredibly excited to get started, not only for high-quality hockey, but to meet everyone too. This is a big opportunity for me to show what I can bring to the game and I want to embrace it and have fun.”
Emily, who is now studying Physics at St Andrews University, was selected for the GB Elite Development Programme (EDP) in 2018, and the opportunity to train with the GB women’s team presents an excellent opportunity to develop, and impress, at the top level.
It has been an outstanding few years for Emily, with her representing Scotland at international level winning her 23 senior caps. Her international career has also seen her be part of the team which won gold at the EuroHockey Championship II in 2019 with Emily winning Young Player of the Tournament.
Speaking on the Scottish Hockey website, Emily said: “Winning gold with Scotland at the home Europeans last year has definitely been a highlight for me, and I loved working with the team before and during the tournament to make sure we were in the best position possible to perform at our best.”
Commenting on Emily’s achievements, Kilgraston’s Headmistress, Mrs Dorothy MacGinty said: “We have watched Emily’s progress through the ranks with great interest and enthusias, and watching her move on to this next, very demanding, level of the game is hugely exciting for all the staff and pupils here at Kilgraston. We wish her every success with the future and will be following her progress very closely!”
Image by Mark Pugh