Maffra’s Tara Lambert has enjoyed a whirlwind week after receiving a dream, last-minute call-up to pull on the Big V at the Under 18 National Hockey Championships in Darwin.
The Gippsland Grammar year 10 student had just 24 hours to pack her bags and head to the Northern Territory after the Victorian team’s regular goalkeeper suffered an injury the weekend prior to the tournament. The late selection is an outstanding achievement for the talented 16-year-old, who is testing her skills against the country’s best at the under 18 level.
Since arriving in the Top End, Lambert has been making the most of every moment. She has spent her days training and competing against Australia’s elite junior talent while also taking the time to embrace unique Northern Territory experiences alongside her state teammates.
Her mother, Kylie Lambert, said the young star was thriving in the high-pressure environment.
“Tara is having the best tournament she has ever had, and we couldn’t be happier to hear it,” she said.
The call-up marks the fifth time Lambert has been selected to represent Victoria on the national stage. Her impressive junior resume already includes a stint as the primary Victorian keeper at last year’s Under 16 National Championships in Perth.
