Olivia Mlinaric is named this month's recipient of the Young Achiever Scheme (YAS) funding for her outstanding achievements in hockey.
Olivia has been a dedicated hockey player for nine years and has competed in the state league for the Albury Wodonga Spitfires Hockey Club for three years.
Craig Pontt, Olivia's Wodonga Hockey Club coach, speaks to her growth in the competitive hockey space, her drive for ongoing development and passion for the sport.
"I have known Olivia for the last five years and have coached her in some format for the last three years," he said.
"Olivia has progressed extremely well from Hookin2Hockey, a junior hockey entry program, and has now advanced to becoming a team player for the Albury Lady Spitfires, which is the highest possible team in this region.
"In my experiences with Olivia, she strives and works hard to achieve the best possible results due to her work ethic and willingness to learn," Craig concluded.
Olivia has represented ACT in U16 Women for the last two years and will be using the YAS funding to attend the 2025 Hockey Australia U18 Championships in Perth this July.
This competition offers an excellent opportunity for Olivia to highlight her skills for selection into the Canberra Chill squad in the future.
This is the second time Olivia has been the recipient of a YAS Award, the first being granted in April 2023 for her outstanding commitment to hockey and representation in the ACT U15 Women's team at the Hockey Australia National Championships in Darwin earlier that year.
The Young Achiever Scheme (YAS) recognises and supports young people under 25 years old who display an outstanding achievement in their chosen field.
The scheme provides financial assistance of up to $800 to individuals or groups of young people to participate, develop skills, compete, perform or represent Wodonga in their chosen endeavour at a local, state, national or international level.
There are six categories:
- Arts, performance, music and dance;
- Sport and recreation;
- Community leadership;
- Education and training;
- Cultural; and,
- Agricultural, environmental and sustainability.
To apply, click here.
