"PACKING THE WINNING PUNCH" SERIES: SUSANNAH TOWNSEND MBE

With an illustrious career that includes a gold medal from the Rio 2016 Olympics and a bronze from Tokyo 2021, Susannah’s journey on the field has been nothing short of remarkable. Having amassed 188 caps for Great Britain and England, her impact on the game is profound, both in her role as a player and as a mentor to future stars.

In this exclusive Q&A, Susannah opens up about her most memorable matches, the evolution of coaching methods, and the challenges that have shaped her career. Discover how she overcame personal struggles, adapted to international play, and her thoughts on the future of hockey.

But that’s not all—Susannah shares her favourite Tiki Tonga blend and reveals her sporting heroes, adding a personal touch to this insightful conversation.

Dive into the full interview to gain a deeper understanding of what makes Susannah a true champion both on and off the pitch.

What's the most memorable match you've played in, and why?  

The most memorable match I have ever played in was the semi-final of the Olympics in Rio. That moment of realising you are seconds away from reaching an Olympic final. Looking at your best friends who you have been through it all with is a moment I will never forget. Looking up at my friends and family seeing how happy it made them is an image I will never forget. My roommate and best friend ran into my arms and we celebrated together. Nothing else in the world mattered at that moment, time stood still.

How has your experience playing abroad influenced your perspective on the game and your approach to coaching  

It has allowed me to see how culturally hockey in different countries is different. We get stuck in our own ways a lot and until we step outside of our own box and comfort zone we don’t know anything different. I am now a lot more adaptable, technically better as a player and coach due to my time abroad. I had the time of my life and that love for hockey showed in the way I played.

Can you share any insights on the differences in coaching and training methods you've encountered throughout your career?  

Each coach is different, that’s the beauty of coaching and being an athlete taught by different people. They allow you to look at the game differently, to point out things other coaches may not have seen. Something I have taken in to my own coaching philosophy is being robust enough to continue to repeat performances, to consistently show up and “find a way to win”. A team is made up of a group of individuals who create a team and the best teams I have been a part of have shown this in the way we have played. Game play, learning through mistakes and successes in training is invaluable and giving athletes the ability to make decisions for themselves on the pitch is a philosophy I have carried with me.

What has been the hardest point in your playing career  

It was straight after the Olympics in 2016. I had a bad knee going into the Olympics, which we knew needed operating on as soon as we got home. However, this wasn’t the hard bit. I struggled after the Olympics as I felt lost, I lost my purpose and having a focus of an operation was a saving grace which is a scary thing to admit. At this point I just wanted to be a hockey player, to walk without pain again and be on a hockey pitch which is where I feel at home. My sense of identity was around me as a hockey player and when I wasn’t playing, I didn’t feel like me. I am proud of myself for how I came through this and became a better person because of it.

What advice would you give to young players aspiring to play professionally, considering your journey across different hockey landscapes? 

Keep at it, even when you fail. You can’t always be the best player, not have setbacks. The best players in the world suffer the setbacks and ask themselves, what can I do to be better? They don’t blame others; they look at themselves first. Be that person who makes those around you better, get back up when you get knocked down and if you want it enough you will find a way. Be the hardest worker consistently and never forget to smile and have fun whilst doing so.

What has been your toughest challenge in professional sport and how did you overcome it? 

In 2018 I had a bad year of hockey, and I hate to admit it but I lost my love for training and for the sport. This was a tough phase to get out of. It took me longer than it should have to admit this to anyone but when I finally did, I could find the love for the game again, I loved myself again and I leant on those around me to get me back to the Susannah on and off the pitch I knew I could be. I finished my career at my fittest and playing my best hockey and this is something I am most proud of.

Are there any players or teams you enjoy watching and analysing, either for their style of play or strategic approach?  

I mean I would love to play for Argentina for a game, whilst remaining British. I enjoy their attacking style of play, how they have fun out on the pitch. They also have 3D skills I could only dream of having.

What’s your favourite Tiki Tonga coffee? 

I like that extra kick in the No. 8!

Favourite meal? 

Pizza – it is my kryptonite, but I own that!

Coffee or Matcha? 

Always coffee!!!

Who was your sporting hero growing up?  

Any West Ham player & any Olympian. I was obsessed with any Olympian and how they worked for 4 years for one race, one event etc. this drove me on to want to be like them and give my all to compete at an Olympic Games and win consistent medals.

What would you like to see different in the hockey world? 

There is still pay disparity in sponsorships, club payments and this needs to change. I would also like to see more female coaches coming through.

What was the biggest shock between playing in England, Belgium, Holland or Germany? 

The biggest shock was a positive one… in Europe they are on the pitch with their clubs a lot more than we are here. They build their clubs around their social scene and their sporting aspirations. The more time I could spend on a hockey pitch I would and being in Europe gave me that. I was very lucky to have this with GB at Bisham Abbey, however I would have loved to have had this professional environment with my club as well.