Wodonga Council's latest Young Achiever Scheme recipient, Olivia Mlinaric has returned from Darwin with a spring in her step.
At just 14 years of age, the talented hockey player represented the ACT Under 15 Women's team at the Hockey Australia National Championships in Darwin.
The seven-day event involved teams playing twice a day against teams from all the states and territories in Australia.
Olivia's team placed eight out of 12 in the elite competition which saw her take part in the first state tournament away from home.
The teenager's mum, Roxanne Brown-Mlinaric said it was a great experience for Olivia who made new friends amongst the team, including one other player from Albury.
"It was a fantastic opportunity for Olivia, just to be able to compete at that elite level and bond with the team over walks, sightseeing and meals," she said.
Olivia had been travelling to Canberra every Sunday since the trial began in November last year, with the announcement of making the team in February.
She started with the Wodonga Hockey Club reaching their senior divisions and is now in the development squad for the Southern Sports Academy and attends training weekly in either Albury, Wagga or Griffith.
Olivia is also a shadow player for the Albury Spitfires, playing in the Capital League.
So when she is not training for the academy once a week, the nationals twice a week in Canberra, she is also training with the Spitfires and with the Wodonga club each week.
It is no surprise that hockey is Olivia's passion and she has shown incredible dedication and commitment to her sport with this latest accolade.
Her coaches talk of her strong work ethic and willingness to learn, her humility and leadership qualities.
The Young Achiever Scheme is aimed at assisting young people in their pursuits to participate at a state or national level for activities, events or competitions.
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.
To apply, click here.