East Grinstead’s Laura Roper has been named the 2023 Player of the Year by the Hockey Writers’ Club to celebrate not only her individual successes but also her pivotal role in inspiring teammates.
“It is an absolute honour to receive this prestigious award,” said the England and Great Britain international said of the prize.
“When you look back at past winners and now to be able to join them it is something I’m incredibly proud of.
“I wouldn’t have won this award without my incredible team mates at both GB/England and EG. They are the reason I continue to enjoy playing the game.”
It crowns a spectacular year in which she helped her club qualify for the EHL Women FINAL8 for the first time, making their debut at Easter in the Wagener Stadium. In January, the 344-time international helped GB earn as spot at this summer’s Olympic Games.
“To win EGs first Premier League title last season and having just qualified for Paris Olympics with GB are the two most standout memories over the last 12 months.
“They both also go down as some of my proudest hockey achievements to date. It is a hugely exciting period of hockey coming up both domestically and internationally and hopefully I can be part of creating some more special memories with my team mates.”