East Grinstead Hockey Club welcomes the return of Laura Roper MBE (nee Unsworth) in a new capacity...
Laura Roper is an icon of British Hockey and a long time member of the East Grinstead Hockey Family.
Joining EGHC ahead of the 2015 / 2016 Season, she played in East Grinstead Women's first game in the Premier League away at Surbiton, and went on to contribute to many of the team's "firsts".
Playing all 80 minutes in the Indoor Semi Final and Final at Wembley Arena in January 2016, Laura was part of the team's first Indoor title. Several years later she was part of the team that secured their first outdoor Premier League title in April 2023. The following April she was also on the pitch in Amsterdam as East Grinstead Women competed in their first ever Euro Hockey League match against the hosts.
Club Chairman Chris Vallis-Wilson noted "we are delighted that Laura has chosen to return to EG and to help shape the next phase of the playing group's journey. It's extremely exciting to have someone of Laura's calibre join the coaching leadership team and we know that our youngsters will prize every opportunity to gain from her knowledge".
"I have been fortunate to enjoy a hugely fulfilling playing career, experiencing many changes and developments within our sport. Looking back, I could never have imagined the journey hockey would take me on or the opportunities and experiences it would provide. I have made lifelong friendships, represented my country on the biggest stages, and created memories that will stay with me forever."
"Now, I feel it is time to give back to the sport that has given me so much. I am passionate about supporting future generations of players to achieve their potential and create their own successful and rewarding journeys and I hope to play a part in supporting the continued growth and success of our sport for years to come."
Laura shares her Rio 2016 Gold Medal with Juniors at EGHC Academy Camps shortly after joining the club as a player.
"I loved my time as a player at East Grinstead. I was fortunate to spend nine fantastic years at the club, playing in some amazing teams and alongside many talented players, including several who are part of the current squad.
I've continued to watch and follow the team since leaving, and it's been brilliant to see the talent coming through. There are some outstanding young players emerging at East Grinstead, and I'm excited to see what this group can achieve in the years ahead."
Laura is Great Britain's most decorated player having won Olympic Gold (2016), Euro Nations Gold (2015), Commonwealth Gold (2022) as well as Olympic Bronze (2012 and 2020). She represented England and Great Britain over 350 times during an international career spanning 16 years.
Laura's final appearance for East Grinstead as a player came in the bronze medal match of the 2023/24 season. Since retiring from playing, she has worked within UK Sport's Athlete Investment Team, supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes, while also embracing an exciting new chapter in her personal life with the arrival of her daughter, Poppy, whom she shares with her husband, Mike.
We can't wait to welcome the whole family back to EG. Laura will assume responsibilities leading Coaching with our Womens' 1st Team in due course.
Welcome home Unsy !!!!!