Marlow's Alex Danson-Bennett announced as England Hockey's new president.

Alex Danson-Bennett in her playing days, taken at Bisham Abbey

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After an illustrious playing career that spanned more than two decades, Marlow’s Alex Danson-Bennett has been announced as England Hockey’s new president.

One of the most decorated athletes in the history of the British hockey, Danson-Bennett will use her experiences of winning at major championships to lead and guide the sport to even greater heights.

She has already inspired many within the sport with her journey from the grassroots game to the international stage and her achievements as a player include winning Olympic gold with Great Britain at the Rio Games in 2016.

Her leadership qualities were evident throughout her career as she served both England and Great Britain as captain, while her courage has been shown in recent years in her recovery from a debilitating head injury that eventually forced her retirement from the sport she loves.

In recent years she has worked as a performance champion for Vitality, helping businesses prioritise the health and well-being of their staff and she also performed a mentoring role for Great Britain’s players as they won bronze at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021. As an ambassador for the sport, she’s also advocated increased participation in schools and clubs championed for better accessibility and inclusivity at hockey clubs.

She will continue to do this as president while also providing strategic direction and support for the organisation. Her vision is to make England Hockey more visible, relevant, and accessible for all.

Upon accepting the role, Danson-Bennett expressed her excitement and gratitude, saying: "It’s an absolute privilege to become the England Hockey President. Hockey has been a part of my DNA for as long as I can remember, and it has given me some of my greatest joys in life. I understand how important it is to influence at both national and international level and I hope to bring this to the role.

“I am deeply passionate about the opportunities it offers for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated team at England Hockey to further enhance the game and its impact on communities across the country."

England Hockey CEO, Nick Pink, also shared his enthusiasm for Danson-Bennett's appointment, saying: "We are delighted to welcome Alex as our new President. Her wealth of experience, leadership qualities, and unwavering commitment to the sport make her the ideal candidate for this role.

“We are confident that under Alex's guidance, England Hockey will continue to thrive and inspire future generations of players and fans."