AN EXCITED local 13–year–old will head to Tasmania next month to represent her state at the Hockey Australia National Championships in Hobart.

Beechworth's Grace Brown was recently selected into the Victorian Hockey Academy, and will compete for the Victorian state team at the national carnival set to run between September 28 and October 4.

With a love of hockey since the age of five, Grace has excelled at school and club levels.

"Until last year I played for the Beechworth Hockey Club and now I just play for my school," the Year 7 student said.

According to Grace, the opportunity to represent Victoria was a great opportunity to launch her hockey career.

"I didn't really think I would get selected but very pleasantly surprised when I did."

Proud mum Rachael Kerkvliet said it had been a great feat for a young country player to be selected.

"Grace played against some really professional players to get into the academy," she said.

A delighted Beechworth Hockey Club president and Grace's former coach, Ian McVea, said being selected to represent Victoria was a fantastic achievement.

"It's a great opportunity to gain more skills and who knows, one day Grace may play for Australia," he said.

Mr McVea said Grace was a determined competitor who never gave up.

"If a player took the ball off her she chased and got it back," he said.

"She is a great team player who passed the ball around and gave unselfishly to team mates."

"Quite often she was positioned as a stopper against good opposition players."

"She was a pleasure to coach."

A scholarship to study at The Scots School in Albury has been another win for the young Beechworthian to start her secondary studies this year.

Ms Kerkvliet said the Beechworth Lions Club was helping with some expenses for Grace's trip.

"We're very grateful that the club could help Grace get there," she said.

Beechworth Lions Club member Iris Mannik said Beechworth had a great history of sporting achievements.

"Grace Brown is a fine example," she said.

"What a great achievement for a Beechworth young lady, and I hope all of Beechworth gets behind her."

Ms Mannik said to further help Grace financially, Beechworth Lions Club will be holding a sausage sizzle outside Beechworth IGA on Saturday, September 10, where Grace and her mum will be helping.

"I hope everyone will buy a sausage or donate to this great cause, and congratulate her," she said.