FORMER Somerset schoolgirl Maddie Hinch played a vital role in Team GB's women's hockey Olympic gold medal victory.

Goalkeeper Maddie, 27, saved 3 penalties in a dramatic final in Rio against Holland, which Team GB won 2-0 on penalties after the match finished 3-3 in regular time.

Maddie has been a star player for Team GB throughout the tournament and was the hero for her country in the biggest match of the tournament.

She hails from Keinton Mandeville and attended King's College in Taunton and has been in sparkling form for Team GB in their eight victories.

King's College Headmaster Richard Biggs said: “Maddie is a very impressive international sports person and we’re proud that she’s a product of the school.

“She was always phenomenal at sport, but hockey was her main game.

“She worked extremely hard and was a lovely girl, very loyal and has been back a few times since she left.

“She’s good at keeping in touch and giving the odd coaching sessions here.

“King’s has traditionally been strong at rugby and cricket, so it’s great to have our first Olympic medallist.

Nick Gresswell, director of sport, said: “Maddie was a lovely young lady.
“She was a talented athlete all round, always very positive, very happy, an enthusiastic young lady.”

Mr Gresswell said Maddie inspired a lot of King’s students when they watched her in an international match.

“She stayed and spoke to all of them afterwards,” he added.

“She’s a wonderful ambassador for the sport.”

His eight-year-old daughter, Darcie, says she wants to be a hockey goalkeeper after watching Maddie.