Sixteen-year-old Alyssa Oates from Ivybridge has just been named Great Britain Underwater Hockey Ladies Under-19 Player of the Year. Alyssa, a student at Ivybridge Community College, plays for Team South West Juniors in Dawlish. She achieved the award on the back of an outstanding series of achievements during 2013. Alyssa won a silver medal as a member of the Great Britain Ladies under-23s team at the World Championships in Hungary. She then won a gold medal and was named top goalscorer with Team South West at the Junior National Champion-ships. Also in 2013 she won the under-19 international tournament in the Nether-lands as part of Team South West Gerald Atkins, Alyssa's coach, paid tribute to her achievements. 'Alyssa is an extremely talented player who easily holds her own with senior players at every level,' said Gerald. 'This award is much-deserved recognition of her ability and enthusiasm for the sport she loves so much.' Alyssa, who received the award at the Ladies National Championship in Leeds, said: 'It took me by surprise – to receive an award like this when I play with so many other great players is an honour.' Later this year Alyssa will be representing Great Britain at the World Alternative Games before focusing on selection for the 2015 World Under-water Hockey Champion-ships in Spain.