Heather McEwan retires from international hockey

After 48 caps and 11 goals, Heather McEwan has announced her retirement from international hockey, bringing an excellent eight-year Scotland career to a close.

McEwan represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Games, two EuroHockey Championships, the FIH Nations Cup, a World cup qualifier and, most recently, the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup as Scotland returned to the global stage for the first time in 24 years.

It was a remarkable journey for a player born and raised in South Africa, who qualified to play for Scotland through her father, who is from Oban.

McEwan moved to England in 2018 to play for Holcombe, where she met Scotland Women Head Coach Jen Wilson.

“It was Jen Wilson who planted the seed,” McEwan recalled.

But there would be a three-year wait before McEwan could pull on the Scotland shirt. Having represented South Africa at indoor hockey, she had to complete the eligibility period before making her international debut.

“Looking back, those three years were tough, but crucial. I spent a lot of time getting to know everyone and how things work. I played so many uncapped matches before I made my debut, but it laid the foundations for me.”

When McEwan finally earned her first cap, it could hardly have been scripted better.

Her Scotland debut came at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games against South Africa – the country of her birth.

Scotland produced a memorable 4-2 victory, giving McEwan a winning start to her international career on one of the biggest sporting stages.

“I probably laughed when I realised I was going to get my first cap against South Africa. I was super excited – what a cool experience and even better to do it alongside my first room-mate Eve Pearson, who also earned her first cap.”

“With the first game underway I felt more at ease. On reflection it really was a special game, the atmosphere was great and my family were so proud to witness my first cap.”

“The build up to selection is always a nerve-wracking experience and I know I placed a lot of pressure on myself. I was determined to give everything I had to succeed and what a huge relief when I was selected. I am so grateful to have participated in the Commonwealth Games, it was an incredible experience.”

Scotland went on to beat Kenya 11-0, alongside narrow defeats to New Zealand and Australia, before a 3-1 loss to Canada in the fifth/sixth-place play-off.

“The Commonwealth Games is a special tournament. I loved the atmosphere in the village. Everyone is super friendly. It was fun supporting fellow team Scotland athletes and many more. Being a part of it was something I will never forget special.”

McEwan’s first official Scotland goal came soon after Birmingham, during the EuroHockey Championship Qualifiers in Dunkirk.

A penalty corner rebound against hosts France gave her the moment every striker waits for.

“I remember jumping up and being shocked that I had scored. It’s always a good feeling putting the ball in the back of the net. As a striker you also feel the pressure to score, so the goal was a huge weight off my shoulders, and I was ready to go out and score some more for the team.”

Wavre – 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands (W)
10 United States v Scotland (Pool B)
Picture: Millie Steiger Player of Scotland celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s second goal
COPYRIGHT WORLDSPORTPICS / Rodrigo Jaramillo
No archive allowed

Scotland won the qualifier and headed to the EuroHockey Championships in Mönchengladbach in 2023, where McEwan gained valuable experience at the highest level.

Despite defeats to Germany, Ireland and England, Scotland drew with Italy before producing a memorable 2-1 victory over higher-ranked Spain to finish seventh.

“It was surreal. It’s a special stadium to play in and I was super nervous in the build-up. We were in a building phase at that time and the belief in ourselves grew as the tournament progressed.”

“We had a few upsets but that’s important to boost growth, and despite losses we were moving in the right direction. Beating Spain was such a high to finish on, that result was a milestone. It proved we could do it.”

In 2024, McEwan helped Scotland qualify for another EuroHockey Championship on home soil.

In front of a passionate Glasgow crowd, Scotland defeated Wales 2-1 in the final of the EuroHockey Championship Qualifier. McEwan played a starring role by scoring the winner in the final.

“Playing in front of your home crowd in Glasgow certainly had its advantages. The game was intense and you could feel the crowd’s energy as they cheered us on. It was raining so we had the full Scottish experience.”

“I remember scoring to put us through, and it just felt so fitting to have everyone there to see us through into the qualifiers.”

Scotland’s journey continued at the FIH Nations Cup in Santiago, Chile, in 2025, where the team finished fifth after victories over higher-ranked opposition including Korea, Canada and Japan.

“Chile was an important tournament. Well, they all are. But here we played quality hockey, and we seemed to have a change in our identity where we were beating higher ranked teams. Not sure if it was the hot weather or the supporter’s group, but it felt like we were really on our way as a team at this point.”

The progress continued at the EuroHockey Championships later that year.

Scotland defeated Ireland 3-2, with McEwan scoring the decisive goal, before finishing the tournament sixth following a 2-0 victory over France.

“The Euros in 2025 was a better experience for the team I believe. Personally, I was super confident and felt much calmer going into the tournament.

“We got the results we deserved and didn’t feel like underdogs anymore. We knew we could beat these teams.”

Everything was building towards the FIH World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad, India.

Scotland had one objective: qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2002.

After a draw with hosts India – with McEwan scoring Scotland’s opening goal – Scotland progressed through the tournament and eventually defeated Italy 1-0 in the third-place play-off to secure their place at the World Cup.

“I honestly felt confident that we would secure our spot in the World Cup. By then the squad had trained well together with the help of our training staff and coaches. We went to India with one objective in mind. We played our brand of hockey and stuck to our principles”

“The feeling at the end was relief. I was on the pitch at the time, and it was only 1-0, so we were counting down the seconds. When the final whistle went it was surreal and the celebrations were amazing too. I don’t think it’ll ever sink in what we achieved as a team.”

Then, in August 2026, McEwan finally reached the destination she and her teammates had worked towards.

Scotland returned to the FIH Women’s World Cup and McEwan played her part in history.

Scotland secured memorable victories over Ireland and New Zealand, with McEwan scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 victory over New Zealand. It was her first goal of the tournament and one of the defining moments of Scotland’s World Cup campaign.

Scotland ultimately finished 12th after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Japan, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary tournament and an unforgettable international career.

“The World Cup tournament exceeded my expectations. I was excited, proud and honored to be part of the entire experience.”

“Walking into the stadium was a core memory and to play against some of the top teams in the world on such an international stage in the Scottish shirt, was awesome.  Truly worth all the effort.”

Wavre – 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands (W)
10 United States v Scotland (Pool B)
Picture: Meredith Sholder (C) Player of United States battles for possession with Heather McEwan Player of Scotland
COPYRIGHT WORLDSPORTPICS / Rodrigo Jaramillo
No archive allowed

After eight years, 48 caps and 11 international goals, McEwan has decided the time is right to close the Scotland chapter.

And she leaves at a special moment – with Scotland having just returned to the World Cup stage and a new generation of players emerging behind her.

“As sad as I am to leave, I feel like I’ve left the shirt in a better place.”

“I had a conversation about retiring months before the World Cup. I wanted to finish on a high, and I did that. It’s easy to walk away when things are not going well, but it’s hard when things are good and you are having so much fun.”

“I’ve made my peace with the decision and will be forever grateful when looking back on this journey. It’s been an incredible one for me, filled with so many highlights. I am blessed to have made so many friends along the way, sharing the same passion.”

And there are plenty of people McEwan wants to thank for helping make those memories possible.

“I want to thank my parents and my family. They have constantly been there to support me. There have been so many moments where they’ve helped, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. Thank you for the belief and giving me every opportunity.”

“I also want to thank all my friends and teammates. You have all been a constant support and helped me in so many ways. We’ve had so much fun and made so many memories together that I will always remember.

“Thank you to all the coaches and support staff. Every one of you is unique in what you bring to the team and players. I know how much I have grown under your guidance. Thank you all.”

“To every family and team-mate that welcomed me into their home, I would not have been able to participate had it not been for your kind hospitality. I am forever indebted to you.”

“To our faithful travelling supporters’ group. Thank you for your continued support, for always showing up no matter the score.  It was like having an extended family whenever we played, near and far.”

“To Scottish hockey, last but never least. A very sincere thank you for the privilege of playing the sport I’ve loved.”

Heather McEwan leaves international hockey having achieved something truly special ultimately, helping Scotland’s journey to make history.

Thank you, Heather, for eight fantastic years in the Scotland shirt.

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