KINGSCLIFF hockey player Gabrielle Nance will compete for Gold in Rio after being named in the 2016 Australian Hockeyroos Olympic Team.

Part of a new look Hockeyroos side featuring only four returning Olympians, Nance will join 11 other debutantes in a Rio side Hockey Australia hopes will secure a gold medal.

Currently confined to running while rehabbing a broken finger, Nance said the reality of securing her childhood dream was still setting in.

“Opening the email was one of the most sickening feelings and I was so excited,” Nance said.

“I knew that I was in for a good chance but it’s still very much a shock.

“I think (Olympics) is every kids dream who wants to go far in sport at the highest level and when I first started playing Hockey and watched my first Hockeyroos game, I said ‘I want to be there, that’s my goal’.”

Nance said that while it was a relief to read the email that confirmed her selection, the moment was bittersweet, with friends like fellow Tweed star Madison Fitzpatrick missing the cut.

“There was a sense of relief and you’re just so excited that you’ve made it, but there’s a sense of disappointment for people who haven’t made it.”

Nance grew up in Kingscliff and played with the likes of Hockeyroos’ squad members Fitzpatrick and her sister, Savannah, who is also Nance’s best friend.

The 21 year-old said her Tweed grounding was a blessing for her development as a player, with so much talent from the region coming through the Hockey ranks.

“We’ve got so many ex Hockeyroos or Kookaburras from the area and we’re a breeding ground for really great players for such a small community,” she said.

“The opportunities you’re given are incredible and I was very fortunate to start my hockey there.”

Nance said the endless support received from family and friends and the tight-knit community played a big part in her career.

“Dad would be disappointed if he didn’t get a mention,” she said with a laugh.

“My support network on the Tweed Coast have done so much for us Tweed players and they’ve been unbelievable,” she said.

Nance said the new-look Hockeyroos’ side - which kick-starts its Rio campaign on August 6 - had high expectations for Rio and were confident of going all the way.

HOCKEYROOS SQUAD: Brooke Peris, Casey Sablowski, Edwina Claire Bone, Emily Smith, Georgina Morgan, Georgie Parker, Grace Stewart, Jane-Anne Claxton, Jodie Lauren Kenny, Karri McMahon, Kathryn Slattery, Madonna Blyth, Mariah Williams, Rachael Lynch, Kirstin Sheree Dwyer, Gabi Nance.