Grove Menzieshill's Louise Baxter has announced her retirement from International hockey following Scotland's successful Gold Medal performance in the EuroHockey Nations Championship in Poznan, Poland last month.
Baxter, known affectionately in domestic hockey circles as Munn (maiden name), has thought long and hard about this emotional decision reflecting "I found it increasingly difficult to balance the demands of a new job with International training and travel commitments." Baxter recently joined the staff at Kilgraston School in Perthshire as Head of Physical Education where the Director of Sport is Pauline Stott who has also represented her country at hockey (123caps) and indeed captained Great Britain at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
Baxter is quick to acknowledge the support of the school and also that of previous employers Edinburgh's St George's. However she feels it is time for her to devote her full attention not only to her career but also to family with Mum, Christine, and husband, Mark, being of great support over the years.
The 27 year old Grove midfielder made her International debut in 2003 at a Four Nations tournament in Vancouver under coach Mike Gilbert whist at that time representing the Grange Edinburgh Ladies club.
The last eight years have brought a total of 114 caps (also five Great Britain appearances) under coaches Gilbert, Lesley Hobley, Keith Joss and the present incumbent Gordon Shepherd, all of whom have recognised her commitment, passion and pride in representing Scotland.
"Munn" went on to say "It was definitely more difficult to walk away from a team that are performing so well and consistently winning against higher ranked nations but then again it's nice to finish on a high."
A long International career has seen her compete at four Europeans, two Wold Cup Qualifiers ,Champions Challenge and the last two Commonwealth Games. Medal highlights being two European Gold, one World Silver and a Bronze at the recent Challenge in Dublin.
Baxter continued "I'll without doubt miss the banter and friendship. I have grown up through the age groups with in particular Catriona Ralph and Vikki Bunce and have played for a number of years with a group of others."
"Munn" will continue to play her club hockey with Grove where she has also enjoyed considerable success and finished by saying "I'll be following the team's progress and I have no doubt that this team will continue to be even more successful in the coming seasons. I wish all the players and management all the best for the future."
Scottish Hockey Union media release
