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Coventry University student represents Team GB in para ice hockey after life-changing surgery
Kirsty Van Der Poll pictured in action for Team GB. Photo credit Ian Offers.
University news / Student news
Tuesday 04 November 2025
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A Coventry University student who had her leg amputated just three years ago has defied the odds to represent Team GB at the first-ever Women’s Para Ice Hockey World Championships in Slovakia.
Kirsty Van Der Poll, 25, is studying for a Master’s in Physiotherapy and Leadership on a sports scholarship. Just a year after taking up para ice hockey and winning the league with Sheffield Steelkings, she made her Team GB debut in a 2-1 victory over Team World, with the squad finishing fourth in the tournament overall.
It was an amazing experience - from picking up the sport recently to competing with the best in the world. I believe I represented GB well and made my mark. It was a great opportunity to learn from experienced players and push myself on an international stage.
Missing out on a medal was gutting, but it’s made me more determined for the next championships.
Coventry University student Kirsty Van Der Poll
Originally from Wales, Kirsty is no stranger to international sport. In 2019, she captained Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the World Para-athletics Junior Championships in Switzerland, winning two silver medals as a T44 sprinter and long-jumper before making her senior debut in Italy.
I was born with a disability called Talipes, or clubfoot.
I’d played sports my whole life, but around 17, my disability started to impair me more. I was in a lot of pain and couldn’t run or even walk. That’s when I started looking into disability sports. It was like, wow, I can actually do this.
Coventry University student Kirsty Van Der Poll
In November 2022, Kirsty made the decision to have her right leg amputated below the knee, ending her athletics career but opening the door to wheelchair basketball. She quickly joined both her undergraduate university team and the Women’s Premier League.
Soon after, a para ice hockey campaign caught her eye.
I messaged the Sheffield Steelkings, went to a session, and loved it. I haven’t looked back.
It’s a full-contact sport with high energy and a fast pace - it really suits me.
Coventry University student Kirsty Van Der Poll
Kirsty is now pursuing both sports professionally, with her sights set on the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.
I’ve always had the mindset to say yes to opportunities.
The Paralympics is a long way off, so for me it’s about consistency - refining my skills, improving as an athlete, and building good habits.
Coventry University student Kirsty Van Der Poll
Through Coventry University’s Sports Scholarship programme, Kirsty receives tailored training, physio, access to facilities, nutrition guidance, sports psychology, lifestyle support and travel assistance.
She also hopes her Master’s will help her challenge perceptions in her future career as a physiotherapist.
I want to work in the NHS and help people, especially children.
People don’t expect amputees to be physiotherapists - they expect us to be treated by them. I want to change that view. I want children or others with disabilities to see me and think, ‘She’s doing it, so I can too’.
Coventry University student Kirsty Van Der Poll
Her advice to others is simple:
Go for it. Shoot your shot. Try different sports and believe in yourself. You never know what opportunities might come of it.
Coventry University student Kirsty Van Der Poll
Learn more about sports scholarships.
