Family ties binding Hiskins’ dream

There was an additional silver lining for the WA u15s Gold girls team at the recent National Championships in Newcastle, with the second-placed side also featuring the Player of the Tournament in Georgia Hiskins (pictured above, left).

Georgia is the daughter of Australian Kookaburra Jeremy and YMCC Premier Division player Krystina, brother of budding up-and-comer Brodie and granddaughter of legend Joy Bailey (nee Hewson) – and she’s starting to make a name all for herself.

Georgia, who has featured in the WA Under-12s and Under-15s twice in addition to an appearance in the Under 13s, continued her dominance at under-age state level, finishing the 2022 Under-15s National Championships as the tournament’s best player.

Georgia dominated centre midfield, with her passing, dribbling and tackling impressing a number of high-quality judges.

“[To be crowned the Player of the Tournament] was a nice surprise – I worked really hard leading into the tournament and really happy I got it,” Georgia, who at 14 was the youngest player to feature in the 2022 Ric Charlesworth Classic, says.

“We played really well as a team and enjoyed playing together, and it showed with our results.”

The Perth Thundersticks Academy graduate and Future Thundersticks Classic participant, who has also featured in the Under-15s and Under-18s Indoor squads over the past few years, admits her family background has had a significant impact on her progression.

“My dad played hockey for Australia and had a big influence, then there’s my brother, my grandmother and mum too,” Georgia says.

“We take hockey very seriously in this family but enjoy it immensely.”

Now Georgia plans to re-set her focus and set her sights on even larger targets.

“Ever since I was little I’ve always wanted to take it as far as I can,” she says.

“To play hockey for Australia is my dream and I’m going to give it all I have.”

Mum Krystina is understandably bursting with pride… alongside other passionate family members.

“Her father and I are very proud – [being crowned Player of the Tournament] was a personal goal she set herself before the Championships,” Krystina says.

“She was able to play with a group of girls who worked really well and the team environment was excellent.

“She’s worked very hard for what she achieved – she needed a big rest following the tournament!

“We also want to congratulate Hockey WA for all the effort sending eight teams to Cairns and Newcastle.

“We know how hard they worked getting the teams to the Championships in the 18s and 15s – thank you to all involved, those in the on- and off-field teams.

“We’re very proud and thankful… as I know so many other parents are too.”