Hockey: Global recognition for hockey star

Rose Keddell has been shortlisted for the FIH Rising Star award given to the world's best under-23 player.

Tauranga hockey star Rose Keddell is in line for one of world hockey's most prestigious awards.

The 21-year-old Black Sticks midfielder was one of five players shortlisted for the FIH Rising Star award given to the best player aged under-23.

Keddell said it was a huge surprise to learn of her nomination.

"It was never in any part of my mind at all, so to receive that nomination, I am so humbled. All of us have been working so hard and so to get a little bit of recognition for that helps you to know you're moving in the right direction," she said.

"I knew I had it in me to be able to play consistently at a level I was happy with but I felt a little out of my depth sometimes. But the experience I've gained and the support staff helped me take that next step and now I go into the games really confidently. The mental side of being an athlete is what I feel is hugely overlooked but is 100 per cent the most important part."

Keddell is in her third year in the Black Sticks and celebrated her 100th cap for the Black Sticks during this year's Hockey World League tournament in Argentina.

The Black Sticks defeated Great Britain and Germany on their way to the grand final on Monday where they ran into an unbeatable home team.

Keddell says the 5-1 loss is not a fair reflection of the merits of the two teams.

"If we are both playing our best when we meet then to be honest I don't think there is much in it. We had a bad day and they had an amazing day in front of their home crowd. The gap is not that big. It is just that one or two per cent that we need to fix up and then I think in those big games we will be able to play the hockey we know we can.

"Our best game was against Great Britain in the quarterfinal. That gave us so much confidence that we were a top team and can play some amazing hockey. As a group we are proud of what we have achieved but we still have a long way to go and have a lot to work on before the Olympics in Rio next year."

Keddell was one of three players, along with Sam Charlton and Gemma Flynn, in the Black Sticks who grew up in Tauranga.

"It is awesome. I am so proud of my region and I love Tauranga so much. It is cool to have Sam and Gem with me. They are a bit older than me and growing up I was able to look up to them as players, so to now play alongside them is really special."