Hockey: Surbiton's Sarah Haycroft looks back at GB hockey's highs and lows of 2015

"It was amazing having such recognition for women's hockey this year winning the Sky Sports women's Team of the Year award and being runners up in the BT Sport Action Women Team of the Year award.

"Hockey rarely has that much media attention, never mind women's hockey, so it was was fantastic to see the girls share a stage with Clare Balding, Rio Ferdinand, the Lionesses, Jo Pavey, basically the superstars of sport. I feel suitably inspired for the very real challenges I face next year.

"The awards reflect how successful 2015 has been for England and GB Women's hockey, however for myself personally it has been another year of highs and lows.

"Not being selected for the World League Series and the European Championships were definite lows. However, I do believe I have learnt more this year than I have any other, and I feel like I've become a far better hockey player because of it.

"I think this year was my turning point and I'm confident things will only get better for me from this point on.

"2016 is such a huge year with the Olympics in Rio, and I will fight my hardest to be a part of that squad.

"But what this year has taught me is that all I can do is try my hardest each and every day to get selected and so whatever the outcome I can only be proud of myself.

Pretty in pink: Sarah Haycroft in action leading the troops at Surbiton Hockey Club

"In December I was part of the squad for World League Finals in Argentina. It was a terrific experience, but four of us had to fly home early to make way for senior players who were delayed at home.

"It was so hard having to say our goodbyes and wish the team all the best for the upcoming tournament. All four of us were dying to stay out and represent Great Britain in the Finals.

"But, at least we were able to play three times for GB against Argentina in Argentina, which is one of the best places to play in the world.

"Hockey is like a religion in Argentina and the national team are adored and treated like superstars.

"We played in front of a packed stadium for all three games and I even experienced my first ever pitch invasion, where we had to be escorted off the pitch by local police.

"The fans would do anything to get close to their idols and maybe grab an autograph or photo with them.

"We knew the crowd would be deafening and had the power to intimidate us if we let it.

"We would have two Argentinian umpires, so we had to stay disciplined and not expect things to go our way.

"Finally, Argentina had a new coach and therefore could have a different playing style to that which we would normally associate with them.

"However, our main thoughts and aims were firmly set on us. We needed to make sure we kept things simple and executed our basic skills to a world class standard.

"We would work as a team and stay united through anything and everything we could face. With this all in mind we played very well in the first test, controlling the game but unfortunately finishing in a 1-1 draw.

"The second game was a different story. Las Leonas, as they are called by their home fans, came out at us with far more intensity and fight than they showed in the first game.

"We struggled to get a foothold into the game in the first quarter and although we had a few very good chances, we were unable to bridge the gap and ended up losing 3-1, the first loss of 2015.

"Not losing a competitive game in 2015 was a very impressive statistic. We would have loved to keep the record for the entire year.

"As a sports person one of the worst feelings you can have is the feeling when the final whistle blows and you've lost. I hate it.

"But it makes you even more determined to not feel that way again.

"We were determined to draw the Test series by winning our final game. We played much better as a team, but again the game ended in a draw.

"Both sides wanted to practice penalty shuffles in preparation for the World League, and our excellent penalty record was upheld, winning the shoot out and technically winning the game to level the Test series.

"The four of us returned home to continue training at Bisham and cheering on our team mates from our sofas.

"We will all focus on physical development during our Christmas break in preparation for our next trip which is to Australia in February, where we will be able to escape the cold and frozen pitches at home.

"And then, of course, roll on Rio."

*Investec, the specialist bank and asset manager, support women's hockey from grass roots level through to the national team - investec.co.uk/hockey or on Twitter @Investec_Sport