Scotland forward and Grays Athlete Heather McEwan has retired from international hockey after 48 caps and 11 goals.
McEwan made her Scotland debut at the 2022 Commonwealth Games against South Africa, the country of her birth. Scotland won 4-2, making it a memorable start to her international career. From there, she played at the Nations Cup and two European Championships, then helped Scotland qualify for this year’s Hockey World Cup, their first in 24 years. In August, she scored the winner against New Zealand, and she has now stepped away on a high.
We caught up with Heather to talk about her favourite moments, the goals she’s proudest of and why the Grays DB10 is her stick of choice.
1. Heather McEwan’s favourite Scotland memories
What has been your favourite memory in a Scotland shirt?
“Playing at the World Cup for Scotland is for sure one of my favourite memories but to be honest my favourite memory was qualifying for the World Cup in India. That match, the atmosphere, seeing all our supporters in the stands and the realisation that we had actually done it, we had qualified Scotland for the first time in 24 years for the World Cup. It was pretty special so that's why I have to say it's my favourite.”
Of your international goals, which one means the most to you, and why?
“I'd have to say that my goal against New Zealand at the world cup which won us the game. Scoring at the World Cup is really special but the result of that game pushed us to 11th in the World and that just made me really proud. But my favourite goal I scored would have to be the penalty corner deflection against India at the World Cup Qualifiers. We'd been practising it so much so it was such a cool feeling when it happened in the match.”
2. Scotland Hockey's development over the years
Scotland finished fifth at the 2025 Nations Cup in Chile, beating higher-ranked sides including Korea, Canada and Japan. The Europeans followed a few months later.
Scotland have gone from building, to competing with and beating higher-ranked teams, during your time in the squad. When did you feel that shift?
“The initial shift was at the Nations cup because that was the first time we beat these higher-ranked teams, but at the Europeans a few months later I think that's when the shift in identity was solidified. Beating Ireland and drawing to Spain was amazing but it wasn't just about the results. I think the way we played displayed our brand of hockey - we showed what Scotland was capable of on the world stage.”
3. Why McEwan's uses the Grays DB10
Which Grays Hockey Stick do you use and what do you look for in your stick as a striker?
“I use the DB10. For me as a striker I look for something that has power but also control. Being a striker, you have a range of skills, so having flexibility is important to me. I need to hit the ball hard and consistently but I also want to be able to use 3D skills and eliminate defenders, for example. The DB10 gives me just that.”
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4. Advice for aspiring international players
What advice would you give a young player who dreams of playing international hockey?
“I would say that playing international hockey takes dedication and resilience. It's not impossible but you have to be willing to do the hard work when no one is watching. It is the greatest privilege to play for your country but the friendships and memories you make along the way are pretty special too. So don't forget to have fun, you play your best hockey when you are having fun ;)”
5. What’s next for Heather
What’s next for you, on and off the pitch?
“Good question! On the pitch I am going back to my club in Belgium, Royal Victory, and from next year I will be heading out to Australia to play a season out there. It's something I've always wanted to experience so now is the perfect time. Off the pitch, I am going to use some of this free time I have now to see what else there is. I will do some travelling with my boyfriend, make plans with my friends and who knows what hobbies I might pick up.”
McEwan leaves international hockey with a career to be immensely proud of, with a World Cup behind her and a new generation coming through. At Grays, we’re proud to support international athletes at the highest level, and it’s been a privilege to have Heather use the DB10 on the biggest stages in world hockey. We wish her every success with Royal Victory, in Australia and in whatever she tries next!
Looking to play like McEwan?
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