Director of Hockey Appointment Signals Epsom's Continued Sporting Strength | Epsom College
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Director of Hockey Appointment Signals Epsom’s Continued Sporting Strength

Brett Garrard, who has coached Surbiton Ladies to a record eight consecutive Premier League titles, and led his school teams to four national titles, joins Epsom this September.

The former GB and England captain, and two-time Olympian, will further strengthen sport at the College, following a standout year. In 2021/22, Epsom teams were national finalists or national champions across a range of sports and age ranges including:

  • U13 Hockey: national finalists
  • U14 Hockey: national finalists
  • Golf: national finalists (with two of the three players playing up at least two age categories)
  • U14 Rugby: national champions
  • U14 Squash: national champions
  • U16 Squash: national champions
  • U18 Squash: national finalists
  • Swimming (4x400m freestyle): national champions
  • Target Rifle: national champions

Following these outstanding performances School Sport Magazine voted Epsom one of the ‘UK’s Top Ten Sporting Schools’.

Brett Garrard, who is currently chasing a ninth Premier League win with Surbiton Ladies, said: “I’m looking forward to joining the Epsom community in September and being fully involved in a thriving sports department. My aim will be to establish a structured pathway, where all players are challenged, supported and are learning in a fun and rewarding environment.”

“Over the last 10 years, I have built successful hockey programmes, focused on developing elite sportspeople as well as inclusive participation. My fundamental hockey philosophy – ‘learn while having fun’ – has been brought to life with over 350 fixtures being played each academic year, hosting regular tournaments, international tours, winning four national titles, forming multiple club links and countless pupils enjoying hockey after leaving school.”

Michael Johnson, Director of Sport, said: “We are hugely ambitious for sport at Epsom College and this appointment signals our intentions. Brett has proved over the last few years that he is one of the best coaches in world hockey. To have him leading our programme through its next stage of development is incredibly exciting.” 

Brett Garrard, Career Highlights

Playing

  • Captained both England and Great Britain, played 263 International Caps for England/GB Hockey at Senior International level (1997-2008)
  • Competed at the Olympic Games: 2000 Sydney (6th); 2004 Athens (9th)
  • World Cups: 1998 Utrecht (6th); 2002 Kuala Lumpur (7th); 2006 Germany (5th)
  • Commonwealth Games: 1998 Kuala Lumpur (Bronze Medal); 2002 Manchester (5th); 2006 Melbourne (4th)     
  • European Cups: 1999 Italy (Bronze Medal); 2003 Barcelona (Bronze Medal); 2005 Germany (6th); 2007 Manchester (6th)

Coaching

  • Record-breaking eight consecutive Premier League titles with Surbiton Ladies 1st Team
  • Four National schools titles
  • Coached Internationally: Scotland U21s 2016 and German Ladies 2017-2020