{"id":44658,"date":"2018-11-27T15:10:16","date_gmt":"2018-11-27T15:10:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jomec.co.uk\/altcardiff\/?p=44658"},"modified":"2018-11-27T15:10:16","modified_gmt":"2018-11-27T15:10:16","slug":"cardiff-character-lydia-hitchings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/2018\/11\/27\/cardiff-character-lydia-hitchings\/","title":{"rendered":"Cardiff Character: Lydia Hitchings"},"content":{"rendered":"

Celtic Dragons\u2019 newest signing talks about her journey so far, where next and how to balance sport, university, work and life.<\/h2>\n
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A normal day for 21-year-old Lydia Hitchings begins with court training, as early as 6am, followed by university, where she studies textile and design, then more training. Despite her busy morning, she enters the room with a warm smile and swinging blonde ponytail, giving the impression she welcomes today’s extra commitment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just really trained and did it for enjoyment and because it was a hobby and habit as well, you make it a part of your life.\u201d – Lydia Hitchings<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Just announced as Celtic Dragon\u2019s newest goal shooter in the Super Netball League, as well as recently signing for Bath Toucans and the Wales Senior squad, it\u2019s unlikely her schedule will unpack anytime soon. <\/span><\/p>\n

Lydia was introduced to the sport in year 7 and a few years later, a 15-year-old Lydia began seeking out after-school clubs to join. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI just really trained and did it for enjoyment and because it was a hobby and habit as well, you make it a part of your life,\u201d she explains. It was there that her passion and talent in the sport began growing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking part in \u2018inter-clubs\u2019 and \u2018inter-counties\u2019 allowed her to showcase her skills and she credits this for securing her position in the Welsh netball system. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Balancing it all
\n<\/strong>Lydia admits that she never set out to make a career out of netball, but\u00a02016, after taking part in Under 21s Netball Europe, the Celtic Dragons coach approached her with an offer to join the squad. <\/span><\/p>\n

This was her first paid position and insight into the life of a semi-professional athlete. It enabled her to train with women who had years of experience in the professional world. \u201cIt was a pleasure in itself to be on court with them,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019ve learnt a lot from them and I\u2019m keen to keep going.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Lydia starts and ends most days with netball training, but today was the exception, she was ending with playing a game instead.<\/p>\n