At Redmaids’ High, we take huge pride in highlighting the achievements of our students. Today, we’re delighted to celebrate Martha, who has secured a full academic and sport scholarship at the University of Maine.
The University of Maine, commonly known as UMaine, is a prestigious institution and the proud home of the women’s hockey team, the Black Bears. Competing in NCAA Division I, the Black Bears are celebrated for their skill and competitiveness, earning a reputation for brilliance in the sport. It is a wonderful opportunity that will allow Martha to succeed both academically and athletically.
Earning the scholarship reflects Martha's extraordinary determination. In this interview, Martha opens up about her reaction to securing the scholarship, the motivations behind her success and her aspirations for the future - both on the field and in the classroom. She also reflects on the people and experiences at Redmaids’ High that shaped her journey. Join us in this conversation as we dive into her incredible journey and hear her advice for students hoping to follow her footsteps.
What was your reaction when you found out you had secured a full scholarship to UMaine?
I was shocked, but of course, incredibly happy. I couldn’t believe it - it felt surreal! Soon after I found out about the scholarship, my dad and I flew out to visit UMaine and another university I’d been considering. Both campuses were incredible, but as soon as I arrived at Maine, it just felt like home. Everything about it clicked, and I knew it was the perfect fit for me. Honestly, I didn’t want to leave.
What has been your biggest motivation throughout your academic and athletic journey?
To give myself opportunities and seize them, to be the best player and teammate that I could be, and to do something brave and a bit different.
What goals do you have for your time at the University of Maine, both academically and athletically?
The brilliant thing about American universities is that in the first year, you have to do a whole selection of different courses. I can explore all sorts of subjects that I wouldn’t consider at a university at home – like “Physics for Poets”! In particular, I have always really enjoyed languages. One of the university requirements for Freshman Year is that I take a Modern Foreign Language, so I can’t wait to pick up French again. I’m planning to Major in History, and I have so many options for a Minor – I may go for something along the Politics route or Drama, or maybe something completely different. Part of my scholarship is an academic one, so I am keen to use all the expertise available to me from the tutors to make sure I manage my time well to keep my academic scores high.
UMaine has an incredible athletics programme with world-class facilities that I can’t wait to take advantage of. Playing in a different country offers such a unique opportunity to learn and grow, and I’m excited to develop my skills and elevate my game. My goal is to work hard and train consistently to become the best player I can be for the team - contributing to their success in the America East Field Hockey Conference by setting up and scoring goals and integrating seamlessly with the squad. On top of that, I’m really grateful that my coaches have been so supportive of my interest in continuing to throw javelin (as a school record holder) while I’m there. I’m looking forward to pursuing both passions and making the most of this amazing opportunity!
Were there any teachers, coaches or programmes at Redmaids’ High that particularly influenced or inspired you?
I have been very lucky with my sports teachers at Redmaids’ High, right from Year 4 when I joined and had never played hockey before. At the Junior School, Mrs Joslin (former Head of Sport) encouraged, supported and believed in me. In Year 6/7, we had a gap-year hockey specialist, Miss Hollie, who coached us before going to Iowa on her own hockey scholarship. That’s when I first got the idea that going to America would be an amazing thing to do. Once in the Senior School, I got the opportunity to play up in age-group competitions, so that really helped develop my game. In the Sixth Form, I have had Mr Mortimore as my Sports Mentor on the scholarship programme, which has been brilliant as he is not only a hockey coach and PE teacher at school, but has recently played National League Club hockey so he is really knowledgeable and experienced.
What are you most excited about when it comes to playing hockey at US Collegiate level?
In the US, College Field Hockey is the highest level of hockey there is before international, so it will be amazing to be in an education system that really champions the sport in a big way. The pitches have significant spectator stands, and the matches are televised, so it really feels like a completely different level. It also means it’s really competitive, so I’m excited to be part of that strong coaching and playing unit. I am especially looking forward to meeting my teammates, the Black Bears! Your team becomes like a second family in the collegiate system, especially as an international student, so I am super-excited to meet everyone. Playing together at the amazing facilities at home and travelling around the East Coast to play our away matches will be a phenomenal experience.
What advice would you give to current students at Redmaids’ High who might be aspiring to earn a scholarship like you?
Start the process early – the scholarship window opens in June of Year 11. Be open-minded about where to look – America is huge and there are hundreds and hundreds of universities, so the options are staggering. Do lots of digging online to try to get a feel for the culture of a place to see if it would work for you. Look at the rosters (squad lists) for your sport to see if the university seems welcoming to international students. Importantly, get lots of advice from people (in and out of school) who know how the US system works, and also who know the coaches – an agent can be invaluable with this (mine has been!) and will completely support you through the process. Then, work hard academically as well as in your sport – universities look at your GCSE results as that’s what they have to go on during the recruiting window. All college athletics departments in the US have a limit on how much they can spend on scholarships every year, so if they can share that with the academic side, it helps them to build even better teams. Academics and athletics go hand in hand in the US and there are high expectations in both for student-athletes. For your sport, work to being the best you can be – look for leadership opportunities as well as being a great player, and strive to get as high up in your sport (playing for the top leagues, for example) as you can.
What is the one thing that you’ve learned about yourself through this whole process that you’re most proud of?
One thing that really stands out is that I’ve learnt to be more confident and independent in going for something I really want. My initial contact with Maine was just between myself and the coaches over Zoom, which was quite daunting. But now I know that when I set my sights on something, if I am authentic and have confidence in myself, I can absolutely make it happen.
To find out more about our sports provision and success stories, please click here.
