ANYONE enjoying the women’s hockey competition at the Paris Olympics might notice a familiar Somerset face on the sidelines.

As the team from the USA took on Team GB this afternoon, a face from the British team’s history was to be found looking on – but in the opposition dugout.

Maddie Hinch, who attended King’s College in Taunton between 2002 and 2007, is now a goalkeeping coach for Team USA – and was plotting against her former side during the group game.

The goalkeeper retired from hockey in March last year after an illustrious career that saw her represent Great Britain 60 times, and win 97 caps for England.

She was part of the Olympic teams that struck gold in 2016 and secured bronze in 2020.

In April, she was named part of US Women’s National Team head coach David Passmore’s team ahead of the Paris contest.

“I believe Maddie is the perfect fit for our team with her experience as an international athlete who knows what it takes to both performance and win at the highest stage,” the boss said.

Maddie Hinch, circled, during the USA match against Team GB in Paris. Picture: BBC

“She will play an important part of the day to day coaching of the team with specific responsibility for the goalkeepers as a part of that.

“Having three talented goalkeepers as we do is a luxury and Maddie will no doubt provide them with the support and development they need but also to challenge and push them to even higher levels set by David Williamson, who we thank for his massive contribution to the USWNT.

“Having been part of the highly successful Great Britain set up, Maddie will also be important to the continuing development and refinement of our team culture, which I value so highly.”

In 2016, Maddie shot to national attention after saving all four penalties in the gold medal shootout against the Netherlands.

She is also a two-time Commonwealth Games medallist, winning gold in Birmingham in 2022 and silver in Glasgow in 2014.

She was named the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2018, as well as being made an OBE by King Charles last year.

Before taking the national team role, Maddie was assistant coach at the University of Connecticut.

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“As I embark on this exciting journey with the US Women’s National Team, I’m deeply honoured and humbled to be invited to join a team whom I’ve long admired for their passion, fight and energy,” she said on her appointment.

“My extensive time as a fully centralized athlete with GB Hockey for over a decade has instilled in me a profound understanding of the rigors of elite competition and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

“Through my Olympic journey, I’ve come to appreciate the exacting standards demanded in both training and competition for success at the highest level.

“I’m particularly enthusiastic about contributing to the team’s day-to-day coaching, especially in supporting, inspiring and challenging their talented goalkeepers.”

She added: “Stepping into this new role, I’m thankful for the chance to add to the legacy of the US Women’s National Team, alongside dedicated athletes and staff.

“I’m confident that together, we’ll strive for greater heights, inspiring both on and off the field.”

Former Taunton schoolgirl Maddie Hinch now has a role with the US national hockey team