What does a fortress, a lucky bounce and Oscar Wilde have in common? Meet Lauren Moors, Director of Junior Hockey and Ladies 1st XI Coach at OCHC as she plans for a successful season.
Tell us a bit about your role
Bar the obvious of trying to win matches, my job is to try and make sure all our teams experience excellent coaching. With that, my role incorporates the integration of the Juniors into the Ladies teams across all standards.
What are you most excited about for this season?
I think the most exciting part of being a coach is seeing new and previous players come back with a new sense of zeal. Pre-season has gone well and there is a great energy around our Thames Ditton fortress. I’m looking forward to being part of the building, developing and creating a new era for OC’s.
How did you get into hockey?
A family friend saw me throw a cricket ball at a BBQ. He turned out to be the director of sport at a school down the road and told my Mum to get me into hockey or netball and then apply for a scholarship. My Mum chose hockey and two years later I arrived at his school. The rest is history!
Where did you coach before joining OC’s?
For the last seven years, I was a member of Surbiton HC. I had some great experiences coaching the Ladies 2s, 3s, U18s, U16s and U10s to National, Regional and County finals. Before that, I was a proud member of Durham University Hockey Club.
What’s your favourite skill?
I learnt to play on grass – so a big hit and hope for a lucky bounce!
If you could give the players you coach one piece of advice, what would it be?
In the words of Oscar Wilde, ‘be yourself because everyone else is taken’. Play how you want to play; whether flair, safe, fast, aggressive, skilful or solid. Don’t let anyone tell you who you should be on or off the pitch.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not coaching hockey?
A classic ‘Surrey-ite’ – cycling and yoga.