Chica Gilmer Scholarship recipient Grace Leckie‑Zaharic on what she’s been up to

The Chica Gilmer Scholarship exists to support under 19 female umpires who are showing real promise and may face barriers to entering or progressing within the game. It provides financial support so recipients can take on more opportunities, gain experience, and accelerate their learning and development.

The scholarship is named in honour of Chica Gilmer, whose contribution to hockey spanned decades and roles. A player, coach, selector, manager and umpire, Chica earned her National A Badge in 1959 before gaining international accreditation in Edinburgh in 1975. She later became a highly respected tournament official, serving as Tournament Director at Women’s World Cups in 1983 and 1986 and as a Judge at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, while also holding leadership roles as President of the New Zealand Women’s Hockey Association and being recognised as a Life Member of Hockey New Zealand. The scholarship continues her legacy by supporting the next generation of female umpires.

Grace Leckie-Zaharic recently reached out to share how the scholarship is already shaping her season and how she hopes it will create opportunities for her later in the year.

She recently travelled to Christchurch with support of the scholarship funding to complete the theory component of the Level One umpiring course facilitated by Ben Grant and Gareth Greenfield, and reflected on the experience sharing

“To have two wealth's of knowledge at my fingertips was truly an incredible opportunity. This qualification will do wonders for me and my development. Being up in Christchurch over the weekend also allowed me to umpire their Saturday club division. This gave me a chance to try some different pairings of umpires rather than the smaller pool we have in Dunedin. It also gave me a chance to try out some different management styles as I didn’t know how many of the players up there play.”

“The support has also enabled me to invest in some other key umpiring essentials, including thermals (much needed down South!), quality umpiring socks and an ankle brace following a recent ankle sprain.”

With the season still in its early stages, Grace shared she hopes these foundations will help her get appointments at some of the National Tournaments later in the year.

We look forward to following Grace’s journey!