Unsworth’s coaching chain has been recognised for their tremendous impact on her journey to success, from the moment she picked up a hockey stick to when she won gold at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games. The award signifies and celebrates the importance of progressive person-centred coaching and the continuous dedicated support and time invested in athletes throughout their careers.
The coaches behind the growth and development of Great Britain’s most decorated hockey athlete of all time are Peter Westbrook, Jane Sixsmith MBE, Tim Barlow, Jerome Goudie, Danny Kerry MBE, Karen Brown MBE, Craig Parnham and David Ralph.
Unsworth’s illustrious hockey journey began in the little town of Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, where she met coach Peter Westbrook. Westbrook helped encourage her and her teammates to fall in love with the sport in a friendly and fun environment. At Sutton Coldfield, Unsworth then linked up with Olympic Games bronze medallist and hockey idol, Jane Sixsmith MBE. Sixsmith’s success in the sport had inspired Unsworth to play hockey, and to be coached by her was ‘a dream come true’. That experience, and the later chance to play alongside her, ensures that to this day, Sixsmith remains a key and supportive mentor in her career.
Unsworth ascended through the Midlands Hockey system and was fast-tracked into Tim Barlow’s Development Coaching Centre. Barlow was immediately impressed by her hunger and ability to read a game. At Loughborough University, Head Coach Jerome Goudie introduced Unsworth to the hard work required to reach the very top. On Goudie’s hockey programme, Unsworth’s technical and physical skills developed significantly.
Craig Parnham started coaching Unsworth in 2007 when he was Head Coach of the England Under 21 team. After seeing her passion and enjoyment for the sport, Parnham knew she would have a long career, saying: