Pauline Stott collects MBE

Pauline Stott MBE pic

Pauline Stott, double Olympian and captain of Great Britain’s Millennium squad at the Sydney 2000 Games, has been no stranger to picking up gongs on the hockey pitch over many years, however a very different medal ceremony awaits Kilgraston School’s Director of Sport as she lines up to collect an MBE for Services to Hockey and Promotion of Sport in Scotland as announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Pauline’s stellar hockey journey, which took off in Harris Academy’s 1st XI in the 1970s, was inspired by Sean Kerly and his GB team mates striking Olympic gold in Seoul 1988, the same year as her debut for Scotland’s senior women. For the next 12 years it was a story of ‘have stick, will travel’, amassing over 200 combined appearances on her way round the globe wearing the colours of Scotland and Great Britain.

GB recognition came along in 1991 on the tour to New Zealand and by 1996 the exciting and explosive midfielder – then playing in the colours of Scottish champions Edinburgh Ladies – was a first-pick for the Atlanta Games.  Fast forward to the Millennium Games and Pauline was the only Scot – then and now – to captain a GB women’s Olympic squad.

Sydney heralded the zenith of international appearances as the focus switched to raising two daughters with husband David.  The hockey connection remains strong with Katie having made her mark in Scotland’s youth squads while 14-year old Ellie is exhibiting similar potential.

Pauline Stott playing

Returning to her Dundee roots Pauline’s enthusiasm for her chosen sport still burns brightly.  Her influence and experience has been invaluable in Grove Menzieshill’s successful national and European club campaigns.

Generous with her ‘free!’ time Pauline is a title-winning coach with Midland youth squads and a Director of HPC (Scotland).  She also mentors and supports youth athletes, delivering talks to a range of school pupils as a link in the ‘Champions in Schools’ programme.

Regarding her MBE she said “I’m delighted and honoured beyond words.  You play, coach and encourage as much as possible but never expect to get such a high accolade for doing so.  I have been very humbled by the response from so many friends and hockey colleagues all around Scotland.  It’s really an award for hockey, Scotland and women in sport, so looking forward to receiving it.”

 

 

 

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