Ayeisha McFerran is a professional hockey goalkeeper who plays for the Ireland Women’s Hockey team and HC Tilburg in the Netherlands. She is also a current student on our MSc in Performance Coaching.
Below, Ayeisha shares an insight into her life as a professional athlete, studying with Setanta and her future ambitions.
From Antrim to Olympics
Sport has always been a big part of Ayeisha’s life. From a young age, she gravitated towards athletic pursuits, a passion that evolved into a world-class hockey career. “I am currently playing international hockey for Ireland and playing professionally in the Netherlands. I have always been involved since I was young,” she said.
Throughout her career, Ayeisha has had many incredible achievements, from securing a field hockey scholarship at the University of Louisville, where she was named in the university’s All-American team of the year for four years in a row, to earning over 70 caps with the Irish team. Among her many achievements, there are a few that stand out as defining moments for Ayeisha. “Winning the silver medal at the World Cup in 2018 and goalkeeper of the tournament was pretty good,” she shared. “Also, qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics in Dublin with a full home crowd supporting us is pretty memorable!”
Life as an Elite Athlete
Ayeisha’s training days vary depending on the competitive calendar, particularly in the build-up to major tournaments.. “Currently, I’m preparing for an international tournament, so days are quite busy,” she shared. “A typical day with the national team would have two team sessions, one goalkeeper session and one or two team meetings. They are full days as we have limited time together as a team,” she explained.
As a Goalkeeper in hockey, Ayeisha’s position requires a very different set of skills compared to an outfield player. Flexibility, balance, and explosive movement are essential. “Being a hockey goalkeeper comes with different requirements than field players,” Ayeisha said. “Key components for us are flexibility, especially in weird positions. Explosive power is important, but also control and balance. This typically can be seen when we have to move fast or dive and then be set for the shot.”
Developing as a Student-Athlete
Ayeisha’s decision to pursue further education through Setanta College’s MSc in Performance Coaching was driven by a passion for learning and a vision for life beyond elite competition. “I have always loved learning and developing my mind,” she said. “I like to understand how the body works, specifically in a sporting context. In the future, I see myself somewhere in the sports world, where exactly I’m unsure, but being able to complete the MSc in Performance Coaching provides me the opportunity to keep developing my knowledge until I decide to go into the working world.”
Studying with Setanta has already had a positive impact on Ayeisha’s own performance. “I’ve been able to apply and test out different techniques and ideas, particularly on myself in the gym and performance setting,” she explained. “It has allowed me to have more in-depth conversations with my S&C coach on what I need to be the best athlete I can be.”
Balancing further education with elite sporting commitments is demanding, but Ayeisha credits Setanta’s flexible learning model and supportive environment with ensuring she can remain committed to being a student-athlete.“The support from Setanta has given me the flexibility to work around my club and international commitments to ensure that I have the right programme and schedule for me,” she said.
For young athletes who hope to follow in her footsteps and pursue higher education alongside their sporting career, Ayeisha offers simple but powerful advice:
“ASK FOR HELP,” she said. “I’m still trying to teach myself that, but there are plenty of people who want you to succeed. All you have to do is ask and then it’ll be possible.”
Future Ambitions
While her sights remain firmly set on continuing her hockey career, Ayeisha is already looking ahead to how she can make an impact once her playing days are behind her.
“In my sporting career, of course, Olympic Gold is the dream, but if at the end of my career I can say I was the best athlete I could have been and left my jersey in a better place, I’ll be happy,” she said.
“In my post-playing career, I feel I will be in a role to help develop athletes on and off the field. I want to ensure that they can be the best version of themselves but also support them in other aspects of what they want to try to achieve.”
Leave A Comment