Two Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service staff members have returned from Tasmania with huge smiles and a sense of pride after representing Queensland at the 2025 Australian Masters Hockey Championships.
For Amy Lane, the opportunity was nothing short of unforgettable.
“Having the opportunity to represent my State has been the most incredible, rewarding experience,” Amy said.
“I am very passionate about my hockey and getting to play at a national level—and be exposed to high-level coaching, structure and team play was incredible.”
Amy first picked up a hockey stick as a junior before stepping away from the sport for 16 years. She returned in 2018 and now plays competitively for Brothers All Blacks in Bundaberg.
Her journey hasn’t been without setbacks; she took a season off in 2022 to recover from a torn ACL and knee reconstruction.
After a strong performance representing Bundaberg at the State Championships in Mackay, she was selected for the Queensland squad. From there, she joined one of Queensland’s 11 teams competing at Nationals, which span age divisions from 34+ through to 70+.
“Being part of a team and a sporting community has been like coming home,” Amy said.
“There’s a spot for everyone, whether you’re brand new and just want to have fun, or fiercely competitive.”
For fellow Queensland representative Chris Grant, the honour was equally meaningful.
“It was such a privilege to represent Queensland and Bundaberg, I’m truly proud of that experience,” Chris said.
“Playing alongside skilled players and learning from them was a huge highlight, and I loved meeting so many new people along the way.”
Chris’s hockey journey began in Mount Isa at age eight.
She progressed to open women’s hockey in her twenties and was selected for Queensland Country in 2009.
After a seven-year break to raise her family and work remotely, she returned to the sport four years ago and hasn’t looked back.
This year, she nominated for Queensland while playing in the Women’s Masters, proudly flying the flag for Bundaberg on the national stage.
Chris encourages anyone thinking about getting involved in Masters sport or returning to something they once loved to take the leap.
“It’s such a great way to stay fit, take a break from work and mum life, and connect with amazing people.”
Both Amy and Chris say the Masters community is inclusive, welcoming and full of opportunities for players of all abilities.