Co Antrim woman graduates from Queen’s and makes historic hockey breakthrough for the university

A Queen’s University graduate has completed her Dentistry degree while achieving a landmark sporting feat in Irish university hockey.

Jenna McCarlie, a former student of Larne Grammar School, graduated on Thursday, 26 June, with a degree in Dentistry. Yet her time at university was marked by more than academic excellence—she also captained Queen’s women’s 1st XI hockey team through their most successful season in the University’s history.

McCarlie led her squad to clinch the Ulster Premier League title and win the EY Hockey League Division 2, earning promotion to the top tier of Irish hockey for the first time ever.

Reflecting on the momentous season, she said:

“It’s been a huge honour to lead such a talented, dedicated group of girls. This success has been years in the making with the foundations being laid by Queen’s hockey alumni who gave us the opportunity to compete at the top level in Ulster.

“I’m also so proud to have played a part in securing the chance to compete at the top level in Ireland. I also want to pay tribute to Head Coach Simon Bell and Assistant Coach Drew Campbell whose influence and commitment over the years were central to the team’s success.”

In addition to her university commitments, Jenna represented Ireland’s senior indoor hockey team internationally in both South Africa and Malaysia during her final year of study.

Jenna’s sporting journey began young, inspired by her grandmother who was a key figure in Larne Ladies Hockey Club. She and her sister were also competitive sailors, travelling across Ireland, the UK and Europe before Jenna ultimately chose to focus on hockey at the age of 15 after being selected for Ulster and Ireland underage squads.

“It was my Nana who first inspired me to pick up a hockey stick when I was still in primary school. She was a big hockey player herself and at the time she was Vice-President of Larne Ladies Hockey Club,” Jenna said.

“At age 15, I got my first call up to Ulster and Ireland underage hockey squads, and although a very difficult decision at the time, I knew I had to make a choice between my two great sporting loves.”

Balancing elite-level sport with a demanding Dentistry degree was no small feat. Jenna credits her success to a strong support system, including family, friends, and the Queen’s Elite Athlete Programme.

“The Elite Athlete Programme and being surrounded by people in my life who understood the challenges of juggling sport and study, made me a better athlete, better student, and better person.”

Looking ahead, Jenna is set to begin her first role as a dentist in Northern Ireland this September. She also hopes to return to Queen’s University in a teaching role within the School of Dentistry.

On the sporting front, her ambitions remain high, with a dream of earning a senior outdoor cap for Ireland and competing in a major international tournament—ultimately aspiring to represent her country at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

For students hoping to balance academia with a passion for sport, Jenna offers this advice:

“Get involved in sport. Get involved at any level. Because the people you meet, the skills you gain, and the memories you make will last a lifetime.”