Cardiff colleagues celebrate remarkable season with Penarth Ladies Hockey Club

Two Cardiff University colleagues are celebrating an extraordinary season on the hockey field, helping Penarth Ladies Hockey Club achieve a run of success that has broken records and inspired players across Wales.

Carys Gordon, HR Advisor at Cardiff University, has played a pivotal role this season as both a coach and player for Penarth Ladies, alongside teammate Professor Dawn Knight. Their combined experience, leadership and determination have helped the team reach new heights in women’s club hockey.

The 2025/26 season has historic for Penarth Ladies. The team secured the West Premier League title, earning promotion back to the UK’s National Conference League. They also claimed the Welsh Cup, scoring an incredible 20 goals across the competition while keeping a clean sheet in every match.

The team’s success extended onto the European stage, where they were crowned champions of the EuroHockey Club Challenge I tournament in Poland in May 2026. Across the entire season, the team played a record-breaking 30 matches, winning every single one.

Individually, Dawn also made her mark as the team’s top goal scorer for the season, contributing to their unbeaten run.

Reflecting on the season, the achievements of Penarth Ladies highlight the strength of teamwork and the growing impact of women’s sport. The squad brings together players from a range of backgrounds and life stages, demonstrating that excellence in sport is not defined by age but by commitment, tenacity, and collective ambition.

Carys Gordon said: "It's been an unbelievable season and one we will never forget. The trophies and medals are great but achieving those things as part of such a special team will bring lasting memories. There is something about winning and celebrating as a team that keeps us coming back for more so we will head into next season looking to continue the success."

The success of Penarth Ladies is also part of a wider story: the continued rise of women’s participation in sport at all ages. From grassroots clubs to international competition, players like Carys and Dawn are helping to challenge expectations, inspire future generations, and show that high-performance sport can remain a lifelong pursuit.

Looking ahead, Dawn will represent Wales in the upcoming Women’s Masters Over-40s Hockey World Cup in Rotterdam, taking place from 22 July to 1 August. You can find further details about the tournament.