FIH announces 2010 All Star teams

The impressive squads feature a number of legendary icons who have been named on the All Stars lists on many previous occasions, such as five time nominees Luciana Aymar (ARG), Jamie Dwyer (AUS) and Teun de Nooijer (NED). Between them, these three players have also collected a staggering 14 FIH Player of the Year titles over the past decade.

However, they are far from being the only high achievers in the All Star teams. Three players have notched up their fourth appearances on the lists, with Natascha Keller (GER), Fu Baorong (CHN) and Jong Ho Seo (KOR) all featuring in the 2010 squads. Madonna Blyth (AUS), Crista Cullen (ENG), Maartje Paumen (NED), Naomi van As (NED) and Marsha Marescia (RSA) have each been named in the women’s FIH All Stars team for a third time, with Barry Middleton (ENG), Eddie Ockenden (AUS), Matthias Witthaus (GER), Moritz Fürste (GER) and the now retired Netherlands goalkeeper Guus Vogels also achieved the same feat in the men’s All Star team.
Argentina penalty corner star Noel Barrionuevo makes the list for a second time, joined by her team-mate Carla Rebecchi, Casey Eastham (AUS), Helen Richardson (ENG), Ashley Jackson (ENG), Rehan Butt (PAK) and Max Müller (GER).

As well as these more familiar names, a number of other gifted individuals have made the FIH All Star lists for the first time. Argentina’s Soledad Garcia earned her place in the women’s list thanks to outstanding performances as her team won the BDO FIH World Cup and Samsung FIH Champions Trophy. India’s Rani Rampal (Player of the Tournament – BDO FIH World Cup) and China’s Zhao Yudiao (FIH Young Player of the Year 2010) have also made the list, having proven themselves as two of the hottest young talents in the game.  Kayla Sharland is another first time FIH All Star due to her stand-out displays for the young and gifted Black Sticks team, while goalkeeping duo Beth Storry (ENG) and Joyce Sombroek (NED) were both sensational throughout the BDO FIH World Cup for their respective nations.

Of the 18 strong men’s All Star list, seven players are there for the first time. James Fair makes it an impressive double for England goalkeepers, joining Beth Storry in the 2010 All Star teams, while Kookaburra’s striker Des Abbott also makes the list following a year in which he won the top prize at the Hero Honda FIH World Cup, ABN AMRO Champions Trophy and the Commonwealth Games. Spanish midfielder David Alegre has been an impressive performer for his country, being joined on the list by Argentina’s Lucas Vila, brilliant India defender Sardar Singh and Nick Wilson of New Zealand, a striker nominated by his peers for the FIH Young Player of the Year Award. The winner of that particular award was Germany midfielder Tobias Hauke, who also becomes an FIH All Star for the first time. 

In terms of coaches, Argentina’s Carlos Retegui and Danny Kerry of England have been named on the women’s All Stars list while Kookaburra’s boss Ric Charlesworth and Markus Weise of Germany have made the men’s list. Retegui had a near flawless 12 months, guiding Las Leonas to success at the BDO FIH World Cup and Samsung FIH Champions Trophy, while Danny Kerry’s England team took great strides forward by winning a trio of Bronze medals at the Champions Trophy, World Cup and Commonwealth Games tournaments. Charlesworth’s inclusion is no surprise when you consider his staggering coaching achievements this year, overseeing Australian triumphs at the ABN AMRO FIH Champions Trophy, Hero Honda FIH World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. Markus Weise has also achieved great things in 2010, directing his exciting young Germany team to a Silver Medal at the Hero Honda FIH World Cup. 

Each FIH All Star list was created using the recommendations and opinions of various hockey experts from across the globe including players, officials, coaches and journalists.
The following players were selected for the 2010 FIH All Star Teams
Name, Nation & FIH All Star RecordJamie Dwyer  (AUS)  -  2006,  2007,  2008,  2009  &  2010
Ashley Jackson  (ENG)  -  2009  &  2010
Rehan Butt  (PAK)  -  2008  &  2010
Barry Middleton  (ENG)  -  2008,  2009  &  2010
David Alegre  (ESP)  -  2010
Des Abbott  (AUS)  -  2010
Eddie Ockenden  (AUS)  -  2008,  2009  &  2010
Guus Vogels   (NED)  -  2007,  2008  &  2010
James Fair   (ENG)  -  2010
Jong Ho Seo  (KOR)  -   2007,  2008,  2009  &  2010
Lucas Vila  (ARG)  -  2010
Matthias Witthaus  (GER)  -  2007,  2008  &  2010
Max Müller  (GER)  -  2009  &  2010
Moritz Fürste   (GER)  -  2007,  2009  &  2010
Nick Wilson  (NZL)  -  2010
Sardar Singh  (IND)  -  2010
Teun de Nooijer  (NED)  -  2006,  2007,  2008,  2009  &  2010
Tobias Hauke  (GER)  -  2010
   
Ric Charlesworth  (AUS - Coach)  –  2009  &  2010
Markus Weise  (GER - Coach) –  2008,  2009  &  2010