Sienna Campese, 13, was named in the 2019 NSW under-15 girls hockey squad after her excellent performance in the Southern Highlands hockey team.

The team competed in the recent under 15 girls state hockey championships in front of selectors and did well.

She was one of 45 players selected from across the state to compete against other states.

The sports star said the news was unexpected and everything she had wanted.

“I was very happy and surprised to have been selected,” Sienna said.

“It’s been my dream to make the NSW team.”

The hockey enthusiast has played the sport since she was six years old and trains each week with her Mittagong coach, Andrew Knowles.

During these training sessions, Andrew would run Sienna through drills, positions and teach her how to set up attacking skills.

While Sienna was thrilled to have her talent recognised on a state level, she admitted it would present some challenges for her.

“I’ll be playing against girls up to the same standard as myself,” she said.

“I don’t know anyone else on the team, so my confidence won’t be up as high as it usually is.”

While Sienna has recognised her challenges, she said she was quite confident her strengths would put her ahead of the game.

“I have fast stick work, good communication on the field and I am fast in the lines,” she said.

“I just want to learn new skills and make new friends who are passionate about what I’m passionate about.”

Sienna said she was extremely thankful for her Highlands teams and said their encouragement had fueled her to reach for her dreams.

“They’re such a supportive team,” she said.

“I couldn’t do it without them or my coach.”