From Cowichan to Czechia: Natalie Ellingson named to Canadian U18 touring team
Published 10:25 am Friday, March 20, 2026
Hard work has paid off for Cowichan’s Natalie Ellingson.
Fresh off a bronze medal with the 2025 U16 provincial team at nationals in August, the Quw’utsun Secondary School Grade 11 student-athlete has cracked a national team roster.
The 16-year-old field hockey athlete has been selected to play with the Canadian U18 youth team during their Czechia tour from March 29 to April 7.
“It is a huge honour, and I feel like all my hard work and dedication are paying off,” Ellingson said.
The tour is one of three organized through Field Hockey Canada’s NextGen program. Another U18 youth team travels to Cardiff, Wales, from March 29 to April 6, and a U16 youth squad visits Poznan, Poland, from April 23 to May 2.
One of her coaches in Cowichan is thrilled with Ellingson’s selection.
“Natalie is a lovely young individual with a sparkling personality. She is naturally inquisitive and has shown a willingness to learn and grow, and she is someone who can be relied upon as a leader both on and off the field,” said coach Neil Barr. “Over the past two years, I have seen Natalie progress as a player and grow in character and in confidence. She has worked exceptionally hard at her basic skills, which are vital to her role as a playmaker within the team.”
Barr said those attributes will set her up well, not only for a bright future in hockey, but as a well-rounded member of the community.
“She is a brilliant testament to her parents, Tanya and Neil, who have supported her every step of the way,” said the coach.
Ellingson, 17, began playing field hockey at age seven. She grew to love the community the sport offers.
“We have players who are 70 and players who are 12, all playing together, and everyone feels included and wants everyone to succeed,” she explained. “The players who are older give back to the younger players by coaching and mentoring. There is a clear love for the sport, and everyone wants to get better. It is a life-long sport with lasting friendships.”
Ellingson said she’s looking forward to seeing Europe for the first time, playing against strong teams, and being challenged, as well as having great coaches, and making memories with new teammates.
The sky is the limit for the burgeoning star.
“My goals are playing field hockey at university and continuing to play and grow my love for the sport,” she said.