Ian Haley, a former Olympic field hockey player for South Africa at the 2012 London Games, is taking his passion for sport into the classroom as he joins King’s College in Taunton this September. Appointed as the new director of hockey, Ian brings a wealth of international experience to the private school’s thriving sports programme.
With a coaching background that includes leading the Welsh Senior Men’s and U21 teams, Ian expressed his enthusiasm for the role: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining King’s College, Taunton. Hockey here already enjoys a strong reputation, and I look forward to introducing fresh ideas to further enhance the programme. My goal is to inspire a love of the game throughout the school while helping talented players reach their full potential.”
King’s College caters to students aged 2 to 18 and boasts a notable list of alumni who have excelled in sports and the arts, including international cricketers Jos Buttler and Tom Banton, Welsh rugby star Matthew Robinson, actress Juno Temple, and Nobel Laureate Antony Hewish.
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At King’s, Ian will oversee hockey development across both the prep and junior schools, working closely with Clare Hayes, Head of Performance Hockey, to nurture young talent. Phil Lewis, King’s director of sport, praised Ian’s appointment: “Ian’s proven ability to develop athletes and foster positive sporting environments makes him the perfect fit for this role. His leadership marks an exciting chapter for hockey at King’s and the wider region. Building on Clare’s excellent groundwork and the school’s history of producing gifted players, Ian will continue to drive the programme forward.”
Tagging this momentous career shift, Ian Haley is set to shape the future of hockey in Somerset, nurturing not only athletes but the bright minds of King’s College students.