Field Hockey Canada > New chapter for Diana Roemer

New chapter for Diana Roemer

October 10, 2012 | Field Hockey Canada | fieldhockey.ca

Since officially announcing her retirement from the Women’s National Team in June, a lot has changed for Diana Roemer – including her name.  On September  28th, Diana tied the knot with Josh Larson in Agassiz, British Columbia to become Mrs. Diana Larson.  The drive and hard work that Di brought to Team Canada will now be directed toward the couple’s long-time dream of running their own cattle raising business, JTL Cattle Company, in Chilliwack. 

“I enjoyed every moment with the Women’s National Team,” says Roemer.  “I loved representing my country.  I just knew it was my time to retire.  I was pursuing new goals and truly pushing myself to succeed in business outside of field hockey.” 

When asked what she will take away from her National Team experience, Diana responded, “The mindset that tells you to always keep going – no matter how difficult or complicated it will be, no matter how much effort and work it will take.  Success is yours if you choose to embrace it and pursue it.” 

Roemer started playing field hockey as a young girl in the Cowichan Valley after watching her older siblings compete.  The 24-year-old first represented Canada at the senior level in 2007, in a match against South Africa.  She went on to compete in 73 international matches, including the 2009 Pan American Cup, the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2011 Pan American Games. 

“I loved getting on the field, singing the anthem and representing Canada – it’s a feeling I will never forget,” says Diana.  “During my time on the National Team I most enjoyed the competition and the feeling of working towards common goals with a group of amazing people and athletes.” 

According to teammate Krissy Wishart, Roemer was a great team player – on and off the field. 

“Di was a well-rounded player who had a great set of specialty skills that we utilized at both ends of the field,” says Wishart.  “She’d use her aerial to get us out of our defensive end and her drag flick to score goals on the attacking side.

“She taught me many things.  I will always be grateful for how Di helped me adjust to competing at the international level.  She was always patient with new teammates, helping to show them what it means to play for Canada.”

Women’s National Team Head Coach Paul Bundy also recognized Roemer’s impact on the younger athletes, “Training at the national level is definitely a new level of intensity for many girls.  Diana was always there to encourage her new teammates as they adjusted.”

“Di was committed to the National Team,” says Bundy.  “She made sacrifices to participate in centralized training in Vancouver, including moving from her home on Vancouver Island to live in the lower mainland.  She joined the National Team at a young age, but she has always been mature – she is her own person.  In addition, Roemer brought a very special skill set to the team.  She was a technically talented player with a great aerial and dangerous drag flick.  She will definitely be missed.” 

Even with her superb skill set, Diana admits she could not have reached her goals alone.

“There are so many people to thank,” says Roemer.  “Most importantly, the people who supported me over the years, from the moment I shared my dream of playing for Canada as a little girl to the day I made it on Team Canada and throughout my career. My family, friends and coaches have always been there for me and helped me to reach the potential I did. I could have never done it without them.”

In a rather unconventional tribute to some of her friends and teammates – you can find several calves in Chilliwack with some familiar names: Abi, Sam, Kate, Rocky, Zee and Jay.

“Congratulations on an amazing career Di!” says Wishart.  “She has been a great teammate and is a great friend.  I am so happy for her – and wish Di all the best as she starts a new chapter of her life with her husband Josh.