Meet Naomi Cooper!

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Naomi Cooper and I am from Aberdeen, Scotland. Throughout my life, sport has impacted me continuously as I grew up horse riding and practising martial arts. These have helped me to become the person I am today and led me to ice hockey. Currently, I am working in supply chain for an offshore/subsea signage corporation, where I am undertaking my third-year placement. My degree I am studying is BA (Hons) International Business Management at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

I began as an ice hockey fan during my early teens, where I would watch NHL games religiously. I grew up skating occasionally at the local ice rink where I gained my base knowledge of skating. A key pivotal experience in my hockey story was living in Calgary, Alberta where I played recreationally. I now play in the Scottish National Ice Hockey league for the Aberdeen Predators alongside my brother who has become my hockey partner in crime!

What made you want to be a WHL Brand Ambassador?

Excelling in this role can ensure consideration to progress within the sport industry, gaining access to further training and a variety of work opportunities. I hold a passion for the management aspect of sport, and I hope my future can transcend from this opportunity. This opportunity can involve with many different types of work allowing me to develop skills I already have as well as gain new ones. I thrive on development and further progressing movements and relationships, which I encounter frequently working in the fast-paced oil industry.

Gaining an interesting experience with communication, interpersonal and networking skills will benefit my professional opportunity but spread the message that Women’s Hockey Life thrives to aid — provide support and commitment to the women of ice hockey. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity at Women’s Hockey Life because of the depth of proficiency in every element of the organisation.

What are you most looking forward to as a #WHLAMBASSADOR?

I am looking forward to exposing the women of the North of Scotland to ice hockey to fully expand on WHL’s beliefs and practises. I am hoping to expand the perception of female athletes within the teams in Aberdeen, as I am the only female currently. This will allow me to integrate my team into the WHL movement through support whilst changing my ‘token female’ card into a regular player by bringing enthusiasm and knowledge.

What’s something not a lot of people know about you?

I have spent years of my life working in cocktail bars. This aspect of my life aided me into studying business as being a part of corporations and working with management has allowed me to gain a significant amount of practical knowledge. In addition, I love creating cocktails and the entire ‘show’ aspect of bartending.

If you could sit down and have dinner with one female hockey player, who would it be and why?

I would sit down with Hilary Knight, as she has been a massive inspiration to not only me being a hockey player but as an individual also. She has really opened my eyes to her saying ‘strong is beautiful’ and through this I have learned to love my body and realise its potential for this sport. Through this, I began to take advantage of my height and body structure to push my body to the limits whilst also giving me the confidence and realisation that I am perfectly capable of playing in a fully male team.

In addition, one of my greatest loves besides hockey is Red Bull and Hilary Knight is a Red Bull athlete, which I think is awesome because imagine all the free Red Bull she gets!

What’s your dream for women’s hockey?

My dream for women’s hockey is to eliminate all stereotypes for our ability and our strength. An important aspect for hockey is teamwork; by eliminating all stereotypes teamwork is enforced through the sport, creating an inviting and harmonious community.

Want to join our #WHLAmbassador team?

Get more details and apply here!