Role Model-Anna Pim

Anna Pim

Hockey/ Pegasus Hockey

In the past year, you may have come across the name Anna Pim, and rightfully so, as she has achieved a great deal. Her program, At the Heart of the Game, has trained over 300 young individuals in vital skills such as CPR and how to use an AED. She came up with the program after a friend of hers suffered a cardiac attack at a rowing event and reflected on if she would have known how to perform CPR herself. Being a cadet with St. Johns Ambulance and approaching Ulster Hockey- she was able to combine both into what became At the Heart of the Game. Thanks to sponsorship from Belfast City Airport, the program received funding for the purchase of AEDs, and St. Johns Ambulance also got involved. Notably, Shirley McCay and Lady Mary P served as ambassadors for the program. Anna’s dedication and hard work have earned her a nomination for the Unsung Hero award for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2022 and the SportMakers award from SportNI.

While At the Heart of the Game showcases Anna’s passion and incredible determination, she has also achieved numerous accolades on the field. Since getting her first hockey stick at the age of three, it has been a family activity. Her family’s involvement in the club Pegasus Hockey, and her sister’s own hockey pursuits further emphasize their connection to the sport. When Saturdays are devoid of matches, the Pims contemplate how to spend the day. Last year alone, Anna’s remarkable dedication led her to play on multiple teams, her school team played in the Ulster and All Ireland Hockey Cups, while also representing Ulster U18s, and captaining Ireland’s U18s. With her continuing to play for the U21 interpro team and eventually representing the U21 Irish team, the list of her accomplishments is sure to continue growing.

Playing hockey demands a significant commitment of time, requiring the skilful juggling of various responsibilities. It’s not just about the time spent on the field but also the travel, school, and the intricacies of different team dynamics. Despite the challenges, Anna’s ability to handle it all is a remarkable accomplishment.

When asked about her role model, Anna said Shirley McCay, who serves as her coach and is an ambassador for At the Heart of the Game. Anna expressed her admiration for Shirley’s selfless dedication, stating, “I had the opportunity to get to know her. Shirley sacrifices so much of her time for us, and that’s what I aspire to do when I’m older – to give back, just as many people have done for me.”

Anna Pim’s maturity shines through when she offers advice to younger athletes: seize every opportunity with both hands and trust the process. She acknowledges that trusting the process can be challenging, as she herself did not initially make the Ulster U16 teams or the U18 team the first time around. However, through perseverance, she eventually made the team and even captained the U18s. Finding enjoyment in one’s current circumstances and trusting the process has allowed her to continuously appreciate the sport. Anna is confident that the friendships she has formed through hockey will endure, and the sport serves as a great way to take her mind off schoolwork. Celebrating victories as a team is particularly satisfying because it represents the collective effort invested.

Anna Pim eagerly anticipates what lies ahead. The Female Sports Forum is thrilled to have a role model like Anna, showcasing how sports can positively influence various aspects of life. Anna has successfully channelled her passion for hockey into a wonderful project and cause. We extend our thanks to Anna for being an inspirational role model.