Humans of York: Sabriel
“A lot of my course in first year was spent online due to the pandemic, and so joining hockey helped me to meet people, get out of the house and give me a structure to my day."
"Over the years, it’s given me a real sense of belonging, because when you’re representing your university at something like a match, it makes you feel like, 'I'm part of York!’”
As the run up to Roses 2025 continues, meet this week’s Human of York, Sabriel - third year Natural Sciences student, captain of the joint Vanbrugh-Goodricke college hockey team and ladies indoor captain for University of York hockey. As the big weekend gets ever closer for our student athletes, we asked Sabriel what hockey - and Roses - mean to her.
She said: “I started playing hockey when I was at school in Northern Ireland. My dad signed me up for it after I was struggling to sleep at night, and I really enjoyed it. He’s my biggest fan, and when I was home, he would come to watch me in every game - he’s even made it to York a few times.
“When I first arrived at uni, I didn’t make it onto the team. I was so heartbroken, but I decided to still go to the development team session. While I was there, I met the captain of the 3s, who invited me to train with her team. I then moved up to the 2s quickly after one of their defenders sustained an injury midway through the year, while they were mid-cup championships.
“My first match with them was the semifinal, and I was so nervous! I stayed with the 2s until midway through my second year, and then moved up to the 1s, where I am now.
“Roses is really good fun. From a spectator’s perspective, it’s such a cool way to see a lot more sports - you’ll go out and there’ll suddenly be ultimate frisbee, and lacrosse, and hockey, and netball, and more.
“It also has the best atmosphere for playing. There’s a real sense of community and pride, because there'll be people you've never met before cheering you on. Even if you’re taking part in an individual sport, you’re still Team York when you’re competing, and you can really feel the support from the sidelines. My family will even be watching the livestream back at home in Ireland."
Sabriel, Humans of York, April 2025