McCALLIN Shona

General
CONCUSSION
She says that the concussion she suffered in early 2018, ruling her out for an extended period, was a low point of her career and made her more conscious of head injuries. "It was challenging times for me as a person. The thoughts that were constantly going through my head, especially in the first six months or so, were like, 'Am I ever going to be a normal person again?' I was having headaches every single day, it was relentless, so hockey was very much put aside, as I just wanted to be healthy and live a normal life. My injury has further highlighted the importance of the brain and the need to look after it and train it. Whether that is making sure you are talking to people to help with emotions, practising mindfulness or having strategies in place to help with confidence or relaxation. Being out for so long has definitely made me appreciate the sport more." (bbc.co.uk, 08 Aug 2019; LinkedIn profile, 04 Dec 2018; telegraph.co.uk, 06 Aug 2019; thebigkickoff.com, 07 Jun 2020)

FURTHER EDUCATION
She has studied for a TQUK Level 1 Award in mental health awareness through The Skills Network in England. "I've always been proactive and interested in the part mental health plays in life and in sport. I really do believe that at the level of sport I play, you need to be strong mentally." (LinkedIn profile, 04 Dec 2018)

COACHING
She coaches at Maidenhead Hockey Club in England. (maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk, 03 May 2021)