Elena Tice, one of Ireland’s defence stars at the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup tournament in London, is currently studying in UCD School of Economics. Ireland’s heroic squad included seven other Belfield graduates, most of whom benefited from UCD Ad Astra Academy, which gives scholars the support they need to maximise their potential in their sporting and academic endeavours while studying at UCD.

Elena played a starring role in the first ever Irish field sport team to reach a World Cup final, and her performance brought her to the attention of a global audience and earned her a nomination for the prestigious International Hockey Federation ‘Rising Star’ award, which
recognises the best young player in international hockey in a given year.

“The Ad Astra Academy has been an ever present support and source of motivation during my time at UCD. When I think of the Academy, I think of a group of young people who go above and beyond expectation, to excel and thrive in the area that they are most passionate about. As an athlete, the Academy has given me the chance to achieve my goals in my studies and on the hockey pitch. I am so grateful to be part of this incredibly special community of students who are equally striving and working tirelessly towards their goals and dreams.”