Poonam Sandhu, a field hockey player with the UBC Thunderbirds women’s team, has been named to the Canadian team that will compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The Vancouver native is a graduate of Vancouver’s John Oliver Secondary School, and currently attends the University of British Columbia. 

“Field hockey at the Commonwealth Games is rich in history and incredibly competitive,” says Team Canada Chef de Mission, Chantal Petitclerc. “With many of the top teams in the world in attendance in Glasgow, Canada is sure to face some tough matches, but I am sure they will hold their own against the experienced international teams they will face.”

Also included in the roster are veteran defender Danielle Hennig (Kelowna, BC), a 2013 Pan American Elite Team nominee, and Hannah Haughn (North Vancouver, BC), who at 19 years-old has already amassed 62 caps for Canada.

“The Commonwealth Games are a significant milestone in any athlete’s career,” said Coach Ian Rutledge. “We now have a final group that will do its part to represent our program and country with pride.”

“Congratulations to the players who will make up the Canadian women’s field hockey team at the Commonwealth Games,” said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). “I look forward to seeing this team excel on the pitch in Glasgow, as our teams have done so often before.”

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be held from July 23 to August 3, 2014, and will be the largest multi-sport event held on Scottish soil.