Credit England Hockey

Tess Howard MBE is a name that resonates deeply within the world of hockey, not only for her remarkable athleticism and accomplishments on the field but also for her commitment to advancing inclusivity within sports, both in terms of performance and representation.

Beyond Tess Howard MBE’s hockey prowess, her advocacy for inclusive sportswear has helped push for important changes, especially with the inclusion of diverse kit regulations.

Early days

Tess Howard’s journey to becoming a celebrated hockey player began in the UK, where she grew up with a love for sport and competition. She attended Hampton School in southwest London, where her natural athleticism was nurtured. As a student, Tess was actively involved in multiple sports, but it was hockey that stood out as her true passion. Tess played for Cambridge City where she developed her technical and tactical skills that would eventually make her a force on the international stage.

Tess’ first international call up was for the England U16s where she then progressed to playing for the U21s in just 2 years. After school, Howard studied at Durham University, where she played for the university’s esteemed hockey club, playing against the best universities & clubs in the country alongside her international hockey commitments.

International Career and Honours

Tess’ international career quickly gathered momentum, reaching the pinnacle when she was selected for the Senior England Women’s Team and to represent Great Britain.

Howard made an immediate impact with her dynamic playing style and ability to convert at crucial moments. As a player Howard is skilful in possession, physical with relentless energy and a keen eye for goal. Unsurprisingly, Tess’ performances earned her status as a regular in the Team GB and England setups.

That said, Tess has had to overcome adversity and injury narrowly missing out on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games due to a serious knee injury. This did not stop Tess in her tracks and she made an epic return to the international stage, finding her pre-injury form to help Team GB secure the Gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, scoring in the final. This success marked an important milestone in Howard’s career, playing a pivotal role in the team’s triumph.

Credit England Hockey

With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games around the corner, Howard proceeded to trust the process and put in consistently impressive performances on the biggest stage to earn her spot on the team going to Paris. Although they did not come away with a medal, Tess secured her Olympian status and played an invaluable role in the team’s progression to the quarter-final stages of the tournament.

Advocacy for Inclusive Sportswear

Outside of her on-field successes, Tess Howard has shown a deep commitment to making sports more inclusive for everyone, especially women. One of her key areas of advocacy has been in the realm of sportswear, particularly in ensuring that female athletes have access to gear that is both functional and inclusive of all body types and personal needs. Tess has been vocal about the importance of ensuring that sportswear is designed for comfort, fit, and performance for athletes of all backgrounds.

Her passion for inclusive sportswear is personal and professional. As a young female athlete, she has experienced firsthand the challenges of finding performance gear that fits well, supports her during intense games, and aligns with her own body type. Tess has used her platform to push for changes within the sportswear industry, encouraging companies to develop more diverse lines of products that consider different body shapes, sizes, and the unique needs of female athletes.

FIH’s Kit Regulations

One of Tess Howard’s major contributions to the world of hockey has been her involvement in the inclusivity of the FIH’s kit regulations. The International Hockey Federation (FIH), which oversees the rules and regulations of international competitions, has historically had certain kit guidelines that did not always consider the diverse needs of female athletes, particularly regarding the fit and design of their playing attire.

Tess, using her influence as an elite international athlete, has worked with the FIH to improve these regulations. Her advocacy led to the FIH’s commitment to reviewing and amending kit guidelines for women’s hockey, ensuring that regulations allow for more inclusive, comfortable, and performance-oriented options.

This initiative is significant not just for the change it brings to the regulation of kits at the international level, but also for the message it sends to younger athletes: that their voices matter, and that the gear they wear plays an important role in their comfort and performance. Tess’s efforts in this area are a testament to her dedication to making the sport more accessible and inclusive for all players, regardless of their body type or gender.

Legacy and Impact

Tess Howard’s legacy in hockey is still being written, but her contributions both on and off the field have already had a profound impact and rightfully earned her an MBE in the 2025 New Years Honours. As an international athlete, she has proven herself to be one of the best in the world, earning prestigious accolades and representing her country at the highest level. Off the field, her advocacy for inclusive sportswear and her tireless work to improve FIH’s kit regulations demonstrate her commitment to making hockey more accessible and supportive for the next generation of athletes.