Big things ahead for young Tweed hockey player
YOUNG Madison Fitzpatrick from Tweed Border Hockey Association is making a name for herself as a local hockey heroine.
This month, the 16-year-old played for the Australian Jillaroos in the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney and showed off her skills as a point scoring heavy hitter.
The Australian side beat China in the final to take the Gold medal, with Madison scoring goals throughout the tournament.
In the first match she scored against Great Britain and in the second match against the USA Madison scored a hat-trick.
The third match against China was tight at 1-1, but she still managed to score against the disciplined team.
Madison scored another two goals in the frantic finals match against China to help the Jillaroos take the gold 2-1.
Her mother, Margie Coleman, was proud of her daughter's show of skill and composure throughout the Youth Olympics.
"I was really nervous for her because I just wanted her to hold her own and have a bit of fun," she said.
"I'm so proud of her.
"Each game she got better and better."
Ms Coleman was over the moon that Madison had made the cut for the Youth Olympics, after great performances last year.
"The people of Hockey Australia have identified her throughout the year," she said.
"She's very composed, she never gets flustered."
Before the Youth Olympics Madison had a stellar year in 2012 which earned her a place on the Jillaroo's team for the Youth Olympics.
Madison has since gone on to prove herself as a tough player who doesn't crack under pressure.
Big things await the talented 16-year-old in the future as Ms Coleman anticipates a move to Brisbane to support her daughters training and development.
Despite that, Ms Coleman says she wants to ensure Madison has a "level head" and enjoys her teenage years.
"The higher up she goes the more pressure she will be under," she said.
"I push her out and get her doing teenage things.
"We've just got to take it one day at a time."
