Grays Hockey is excited to announce yet another fantastic new signing with rising star Ava Findlay. Last season she was part of Durham University's historic season in the Premier Division, helping them reach finals weekend in their first season in the Premier Division. More recently she competed at the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup with Scotland in the Summer, the team's first appearance in 24 years.
Ava has recently moved to Surbiton Hockey Club as she continues her push towards the GB senior programme. We caught up with her to talk about her journey so far, what she's learned on the world stage, what's to come and the Grays Hockey sticks she’s backed for the season.
1. Scotland returned to the Women's World Cup in 2026 for the first time in 24 years, with you part of the squad. What was it like being involved in such a significant moment for Scottish hockey?
"It was such a special experience. I remember when I was at school, one of my PE teachers, Claire Lampard (now Biagi), was in the last Scotland World Cup squad. At the time that seemed near impossible and it grew into a dream I never thought I'd reach, so to now say I've competed at a World Cup myself is a dream come true. Doing it alongside this group of girls made it even more special and I'm so proud of how we performed. We're not a funded team, most of us are either students or working full-time as solicitors, teachers, doctors and more, so to compete with some of these teams and achieve what we did is incredible. Finishing above our ranking has put Scotland back on the map and shown we can compete with some of the best teams in the world. Hopefully we've shown young girls how achievable it can be, just like Claire did for me. We're not done yet and we'll be back at the next World Cup!"
Captain of that side was Grays athlete Sarah Robertson alongside Grays Hockey teammates Millie Steiger and Heather McEwan (all using DB10) as well as Sarah Jamieson, Ruth Blakie, Charlotte Watson and Rebecca Birch (all using JB10).
2. You've now moved to Surbiton Hockey Club after your time at Durham. What attracted you to Surbiton, and what are you hoping the next stage of your club career will bring?
"Playing for Durham was such a privilege and I'm so grateful I got the opportunity. Making finals weekend in our first year in the Prem was a huge achievement for all of us and you could tell how much it meant to everyone, especially the girls who fought so hard the year before to get us promoted in the first place. We were a team of full-time students and players with full-time jobs, up against clubs full of experienced and international players, so to hold our own and make history was something special. Our coach, Poppy, was pivotal to that success. It was so nice to have a female coach, and she made my time at Durham so enjoyable. It's a season I'll never forget.
I was so impressed by Surbiton last season, both playing against them and watching them. Their style of hockey is so fast-paced and exciting to be part of. They've also got some of the best players in the UK, in my opinion, so it's amazing to now get to play alongside them. I'm also really excited for the EHL. Getting that experience against top European sides is going to be huge for my development and I'm hoping this next stage helps me keep pushing my game to the next level.
I'm most looking forward to being part of the group. All the girls have been so kind and welcoming, and there's a real community vibe at the club. Everyone supports each other and wants the best for each other. It's a high challenge but supportive environment, which I felt was the best place for me to develop. Training every week with players of that quality pushes you to raise your own standards, and I'm excited to learn from the experienced players around me, both domestic and international."
3. You're also joining Grays Hockey this season. What do you look for from your equipment, and how does your Grays Hockey stick complement the way you play?
Trust is the biggest thing for me, I wanted a brand that I could really trust in and Grays Hockey are one of the most trusted brands in hockey. They've been in the game for years and know the industry so well. All the Grays Hockey equipment is top quality and so I have complete confidence in it, I also think it looks great! As a player, Grays make me feel very valued and are always very supportive and quick to help if I ever need any last-minute kit!
I personally use the JB8 which I love! It looks great but also the soft touch gives me the control I need in midfield, where carrying the ball is a huge part of my game. It also has loads of power, which really helps when I'm delivering the ball into the circle or shooting at goal. I also use the G900 shinguards and the Touch Pro glove which I find have a great balance of being lightweight but offering enough protection so I can be confident when defending."
4. You've made some big steps in a short space of time. As you look ahead, what are the next targets you've set yourself with Scotland and within the GB programme?
"Ultimately, I want to become part of the GB programme and it has shaped a lot of the decisions I have made up until this point. I've been working towards that goal through involvement with the GB Elite Development Programme over the past three years and it is a huge part of why I moved to London this year, I want to keep developing as much as I can to reach that goal. With Scotland, I'm really looking forward to our upcoming tournaments, including the 2027 Euros in London and the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Hopefully hockey will be included this time, and if it is, I'd love to medal with Scotland. I believe that's something we're definitely capable of!"
5. With a new club, another international season and plenty of experience behind you, what are you most excited about as you look ahead to the next chapter of your career?
"I'm most excited about the development opportunities ahead of me. I feel really fortunate to be surrounded by so much support from Surbiton, Scotland, the GB EDP, with Grays as a sponsor, and my teammates. I know I'm in the right place to keep moving forward and become the player I want to be. There's always more to learn, but I'm so excited for what's to come!"
Andrew Orr at Grays Hockey says: "We are so excited to have Ava on board with Grays Hockey. She completely embodies our vision and character of what it means to work with Grays. She has huge ambition to improve and has an exciting style of hockey which is great to watch – I was lucky enough to witness this in person at the recent World Cup. We look forward to seeing Ava progress in her hockey career and will be supporting her every step of the way!"
