My Hockey Blue: Charlotte
"I think everyone – whether you’ve played a sport before or not – should look into taking up a sport at university"
A ‘Blue’ is the greatest honour that a Cambridge sportsman or woman can achieve. It recognises students competing at the highest level of university sport, who have also faced the University of Oxford in a Varsity Match.
But for 51 student, Charlotte Morgan, a Hockey Blue represents more than just success on the pitch. We caught up with the Third Year medic to find out more about the sense of balance and community she’s found at the heart of elite sport.
Q: Charlotte, when did you start playing hockey?
CM: I’ve played hockey since I was around 10, when I joined my local club. I then continued to play for my school and Stourport Hockey Club.
Q: How did you first get involved with hockey at Cambridge?
CM: I attended pre-season training for the University as a fresher – I saw it being advertised on the Hockey Club Instagram and came to Cambridge in September (long before the start of term) to give it a try!
Q: So you’ve been playing with the University team throughout your degree?
CM: Well, I played in the second team for most of my first year, before I broke my arm falling off my bike in late Michaelmas! As a result of that, I was selected for the third team for Varsity. I then played in the second team in my second year, which enabled me to become an Osprey.
Q: Did you always want to be on the Blues hockey team?
CM: It had never occurred to me that I could get on the Blues Team (even though, as a Medic, my degree lasts six years), but after a successful pre-season this last September I made the Blues training squad, and then got selected for the Blues Varsity Squad in February.
I was actually supposed to be Second Team Captain this year, so had to make a big gamble to give it up and try and get my Blue. I was absolutely over the moon when I was announced to be in the squad, as my decision had paid off! I thought I might not get a chance to become a Blue at all, so doing it in my third year was a proud moment for myself.
Q: You’re clearly a brilliant athlete – have you ever considered training other sportswomen?
CM: Yes definitely! This year, I’ve taken on the role of Women's Fourth Team Coach, alongside my friend, which has been extremely rewarding. Although it can be challenging at times, the skills I’ve learnt from coaching another team have been invaluable. I have enjoyed it so much, and it is a great feeling to be volunteering and giving back to the club.
Q: What is the most challenging part of being a coach?
CM: Probably scheduling! I lead team training twice a week, and I try to attend all of their matches – which can be difficult when they clash with my own!
Q: What have you gained from playing hockey?
CM: Being part of the hockey team has allowed me to make a whole new group of friends, which I value so much, and it’s helped me to develop the communication skills I need to work well in a team. I also find it to be such an outlet from the academic stress that Cambridge presents.
Q: Can you tell us more about that?
CM: Well, even though it is a time consuming commitment, with 2x training, 1 S&C, and 2x matches per week, I find it so rewarding for my overall wellbeing and happiness. Even beyond the obvious benefits – like improving my physical health and fitness – meeting my friends five times a week, outdoors, to focus on something other than work, is so vital to my mental wellbeing.
Q: You’ve just returned from the 2025 Varsity Match against Oxford, have you had any other exciting experiences through the Hockey Club?
CM: Through CUHC I ‘ve been able to go on three hockey tours to Barcelona, Malta and Edinburgh. Hockey has been such a good social outlet as well, as the Committee organises lots of events like Alumni dinners, mixed hockey in the summer, and more regular social meet-ups.
Q: What would you say to others who are thinking about taking up a sport at Cambridge?
CM: I think everyone – whether you’ve played a sport before or not – should look into taking up a sport at university. You can make great friends for life, it gives you a regular outlet from your degree, and being outside for a set couple of hours a week is just what your mental health needs at this demanding university!
Q: Finally – who has inspired you most in your sporting career?
CM: One of the photos I’ve shared for this interview is me with my dad (and my grandparents) in his 1993 Cambridge University Hockey shirt. My dad used to coach the Medwards (then New Hall) hockey team in ‘93-94!