From the South East to the World Cup: Lucy Sharman's rise

Lucy Sharman's journey to the FIH World Cup has been a remarkable one.

She started her journey in the South East, playing with Dartmoor in the Naracoorte and District Hockey Association before making the move to the Riddoch Strikers in the Lower South East Hockey Association and eventually to the Adelaide Hockey Club.

Sharman reflected on the fond memory of starting on grass as she took hockey up.

"It’s been an amazing journey, filled with many great mentors, coaches, teammates and memories," she said.

"I owe a lot to my parents for driving me to and from the South East up to Adelaide, a lot of long hours for them I’m sure.

"Playing in the country on grass holds a lot of memories for me, that’s where my journey started.

"I loved playing school hockey through my high school years, playing the mixed knockout competition in Adelaide was always so fun.

"The memories that stand out to me aren’t the games I won or skills I did but the moments with my teammates and those around you that make it special."

Sharman is South Australia's sole representative at the World Cup across both the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos, and had a message for aspiring South Aussies wanting to follow in her footsteps.

"It’s an honour," she said.

"I have looked up to many ex South Aussie hockeyroos in my time and to now be that person for other young athletes is an honour.

"It’s not easy, but good things are never easy, if you want it bad enough you’ll make it happen.

"Stay true to yourself and enjoy the process, it’s not always about the outcome.

"There’s a lot of people behind the scenes that have helped me on this journey and I’m very grateful for them, it really does take a village."