Crista Cullen GB/ England Hockey - "World All Star Player""

Crista is widely recognised as one of the best hockey defenders in the world. With over 150 Great Britain and England combined caps, Commonwealth, World Cup and European cup bronze medals, and has been awarded Great Britain’s Hockey player of the year (2006). She has been named three times in the International Hockey Federation’s World All Stars Team (2006, 2007, 2010), and as Great Britain’s top goal scorer in the Beijing Olympics.    Born in Lincolnshire, Crista spent her early life growing up in Kenya, where her family still live, before moving to Leicestershire at the age of 12 to attend Oakham School, in Rutland. She went on to study Business Studies at Nottingham Trent University achieving a 2:1 Hons degree. Crista is now working for Sports Recruitment International whilst on her quest for London 2012 as their Marketing Manager.   Crista started her hockey career at the age of just 9 at Banda School in Kenya and was only introduced to an astro turf pitch at the age of 14 during Leicestershire U15 hockey trials. Her hockey accelerated quickly, playing County, Regional and England before being honoured with her Great Britain Cap when she was 18.   Throughout her entire hockey career Crista has been dedicated to Leicester Hockey Club and has been an influential part of the team for over ten years. Leicester have successfully won the English Premier League title 4 times, and have represented in Europe achieving a silver medal  in 2011. Crista's dedication to Leicester Hockey Club earned her the honour of being Hockey Writers’ Club Player of the Year in 2005 and 2007.   As a player who wears her heart on her sleeve and a determination to win, Crista has now set her sights on achieving a medal for Great Britain in the London 2012 Olympics.