Gray was a member of the winning NSW open women’s hockey side that proved too strong for its rivals in the national tournament in Canberra.

Gray’s NSW side was far too strong for Victoria in the final and recorded a 5-2 win.

She said it was a good all round effort from her team.

The defender produced a strong all round effort.

“I scored two goals from penalties and also saved some goals,” she said.

For those not familiar with indoor hockey it’s played within an area a little bigger than a basketball court, on floorboards or vinyl/lino and there are boards around the playing area.

Players can hit the ball into the boards, to get an advantage, if they want.

“The boards were dead and they just did not bounce,” Gray said.

NSW played eight games – won six, lost one to the ACT and had a draw against Western Australia.

Gray loves playing indoor hockey and said it was a fast game with lots of action.

The outstanding sportsperson is also equally at home playing field hockey.

“I like both forms of the game and playing both formats can help your all round game,” she said.

“I find the change of seasons – from field to indoor – keeps me fresh.”

Gray found the speedy indoor format helped her skill level and she also now gets the ball away quicker.

The past few months resulted in a run of success for Gray.

Gray was a key member of the NSW Arrows opens side that won the Australian Hockey League titles and was a member of the NSW under 21 side that won the Australian Championships.

She was then nominated for a NSW Institute of Sport award.

“It has been a good year,” she said.

“However, winning does not come easy.

“This success has been a long time coming.”

She can remember a time when winning did not come at all and before this run Gray said the last time she similar success was when she was in the under 15s.

Gray is now off overseas to take part in the FIH Indoor World Cup in Leipzig, Germany, early next year.

Details of Gray’s section will appear in an upcoming edition of the South Coast Register.