Embley appoints Alex Danson-Bennett

We are delighted to announce that Alex Danson-Bennett MBE, Olympic Gold medallist and President of England Hockey, has joined Embley as a hockey coach.In recent years, Embley’s Hockey Programme has enjoyed many successes. International hockey player, Joe Barker, joined Embley as a full time Head of Hockey. Subsequently the school’s 1st XI boys reached the National Finals for the first time in Embley’s history and the 1st XI girls reached the South-Central Finals. The number of students playing competitive hockey for the school continues to increase and Alex’s appointment will further strengthen the school’s coaching expertise. 
 
Alex was part of the history-making women’s hockey team that stormed to Gold at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, winning all eight of their matches. Her other remarkable achievements include 306 international caps, all-time top goal scorer with 115 goals, a Bronze at London 2012 Olympics and clinching three Commonwealth Games medals to solidify her position as one of the most influential figures in England and Great Britain hockey. Alex was the Vice Captain at the Rio Olympics and became the Captain from 2017 until her retirement in 2020. She now coaches Wimbledon HC in the National Premier League, sits on the British Olympic Associations Athletes Commission, was the Athlete Services Manager and VIP host for Team GB in Paris 2024 and has recently been appointed as the President of England Hockey. 

Alex Danson-Bennett commented: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Embley team as a hockey coach. Sport has been at the root of much of my life, the physical skills are unquestionable but the values and life lessons it can provide are invaluable. I cannot wait to share my passion and knowledge with as many of the students as possible. I am joining a thriving department and look forward to supporting and helping to develop the hockey in the school.”
 
Gareth Richards, Embley’s Director of Sport, added: “Alex joining the team is a clear indication of our desire for continued growth. She brings an unrivalled wealth of experiences, both on and off the pitch, that we believe will help drive forward the next phase for Embley Hockey. We look forward to Alex being part of the Sports Department at Embley.”