Scotland midfielder Nikki Kidd announces retirement from international hockey

Scotland midfielder Nikki Kidd has announced her retirement from international hockey.

The former Grove Menzieshill star made her debut for the senior national side in 2005 and went on to amass a hugely impressive 170 caps for her country, scoring a total of 64 goals.

150822 SCO ENG 21

Commenting on her decision to retire, Kidd said, “I have decided after eleven brilliant years in the senior squad that it is time for me to move onto other things. I have had a fantastic international career and I feel hugely honoured to have represented Scotland 170 times and, laterally, having the opportunity to captain my country.

“I want to express my gratitude to all the players, coaches and support staff for giving me these fantastic opportunities and allowing me to be part of something which will always be very special to me. I have always given absolutely everything I have out on the pitch, in training and in the gym. I have lived every day for the past eleven years to be the best athlete I can possibly be.”

“I have loved every minute of representing Scotland; the teamwork, successes, the tough training. I feel hugely honoured to have been a part of the amazing steps we have taken as a national squad over the past few years. I will always think fondly of my time in the national squad and I wish everyone and the squad all the very best for the future.”

ASC_4463

The 28 year-old featured in three Commonwealth Games for Scotland, including the 2006, 2010 and 2014 hockey competitions, and was also included in the pool of players selected for the Great Britain performance programme in 2014.

Her presence in the national side was keenly felt as a penalty corner expert and indefatigable midfielder, scoring crucial goals for the Scots in international competitions, including the 2013 and 2015 EuroHockey Nations Championships where her performances were vital to the team retaining their place for consecutive continental campaigns.

In domestic hockey, Kidd played for Ellon Ladies, Bon Accord MBC, Grove Menzieshill and Edinburgh University. She will continue to play for German side Mannheimer HC in the Women’s Bundesliga.

Reflecting on her decision to retire, Scotland Senior Women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd said, “Nikki has been an exceptional player for Scotland, a regular scorer of goals and an important member of the squad for three Commonwealth Games. She has served her country well, demonstrating the highest standards and setting an example to players about the right attitude to training and preparation. Overall, she has been a fantastic role model for the players and she leaves with both my and the squad’s best wishes for the future.”

Photo credits: Ady Kerry, Duncan Gray

Recent posts:

Back to all news
Back to top