Amelia Johnson

Campus Celebrity: Amelia Johnson

Amelia Johnson, a second-year student from Trevs, is a first-team hockey player for DU. I spoke to her about her intense training regime, her Australian hockey experience and how it feels to represent Durham University.

Amelia; we’ve heard that your weekly hockey timetable is pretty crazy. How many times a week do you train, and what is it about the sport that motivates you to go to every training session?

We train on a Monday and a Thursday from 7-10, we have 1 1/2 hours on the pitch and an hour in the gym and maybe an extra fitness session if we’re feeling keen! 

We then play BUCS on a Wednesday and National League fixtures on a Saturday. 

You spent your gap year playing and coaching hockey in Australia, which sounds amazing. How does playing in freezing-cold Durham compare?

The weather was a bit of a shock when I first came back from Australia! Playing in Australia was great though, they had quite a similar approach to the type of hockey we play in Durham now, very attacking based. It was a fantastic experience that I would recommend to anyone! 

What’s the best thing about representing the university at hockey?

Definitely playing BUCS, the level of competition and motivation is so high. The knock out cup has just started and we are travelling away to Bath next week to play in the quarter finals. It’s a great chance to play other universities who aren’t in our league. DUHC women’s 1s have won the BUCS gold the last two years, so we have a bit of a reputation to live up to! 

Hockey- club socials in all universities are known for being a bit wild. What’s the craziest night out you’ve had with the hockey team?

I think three legged is definitely my favour social, it’s a great way to get to know more people in the club and of course it’s in full palatinate playing kit! Other than that fines night is always pretty interesting, dressing up as broccoli and then a dragon have definitely been highlights! 

And finally: how does it feel being labelled as a campus celebrity? ​

Well what can I say, it’s such a privilege!