Vikki Bunce steps down as Scotland women’s assistant coach

Vikki Bunce has stepped down as assistant coach to the Scotland Women’s National Team.

Former Scotland internationalist Bunce, who earned 206 caps for Scotland and 14 for Great Britain, was in post since 2018 when Jen Wilson appointed Bunce as an assistant.

It was a period of success for the national women’s team with the pinnacle being the 2019 gold medal winning performance at EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow.

Bunce continued in the post when Chris Duncan was appointed head coach in 2021 and was immediately propelled into a World Cup qualifying campaign.

Scotland’s success continued as the team went on a successful winning streak leading up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

As a player Vikki played in three Commonwealth Games; played in two World Cups (outdoor 2002 & indoor 2007); won Gold in the 2011 EuroHockey Nations Championship II; won bronze in Champions Challenge I in 2011; and was captain of the women’s national team.

Bunce said, “It was a really tough decision to step away from the role as I’ve really enjoyed my time in a coaching capacity with the senior women but given the amount of time I’ve been involved in international hockey as a player, and then latterly as an assistant coach, the time felt right to gain back some free time and annual leave.

“There is nothing more rewarding as a coach than when you see players apply some of the messages and tips you share with them, and see them being successful in doing so. It’s also been great to see some of the youngsters that I was coaching as part of the U16 set up post retirement come through into the senior squad.

“I’ve had so many ups and downs during my time with Scottish Hockey but I can honestly say that in a coaching capacity there has been more positives.  The commitment that the players give to the programme and the amount of passion they bring is fantastic and makes you want to give you best all the time to help them achieve their, and Scottish Hockey’s, dreams.

“I wish the whole squad all the best moving forward and will certainly be following their progress. This summer will be a big and exciting challenge with an A division Europeans in Germany, I truly believe they can push for a semi-finals spot it they continue to apply themselves as they have been.

“Best of luck to the girls and management – I’ll certainly miss being part of that squad environment.”

Scotland women’s head coach Chris Duncan said, “Having worked with Vikki in an assistant capacity since 2018, it has been a pleasure to watch her work with such exceptional passion, honesty and care for the athletes she works with. Her commitment to Scotland during her playing and now coaching career has been unrivalled.

“It has been a real pleasure to work with her both as a fellow assistant, and now to have someone of her pedigree as my assistant for the past 18 months. She has worked tirelessly, with the benefit of the players always at the heart of her work using her world-class playing experience and coaching pedigree, in pursuit of each player becoming the best version of themselves.

“She will be sorely missed by the athletes, and staff, as her input and counsel has been exceptional. I know, though, that we will still see her on the side lines as an avid supporter of Scotland in the years ahead.”

 

Recent posts:

Back to all news
Back to top