Nikki Symmons

{{short description|Ireland women's cricket and field hockey international}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}} {{Use Irish English|date=February 2022}} {{Infobox field hockey player | name = Nikki Symmons | image = | fullname = Nicola Symmons | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|8|2|df=yes}} | birth_place = Dublin, Ireland | height = | position = Defender/Midfield/Forward | youthyears1 = 199x–199x | youthclubs1 = Wesley College | years1 = 199x–2013 | clubs1 = Loreto | years2 = 2006–2007 | clubs2 = → Eintracht Braunschweig | nationalyears1 = 2001–2013 | nationalteam1 = {{fhw|Ireland}} | nationalcaps1 = 208 | nationalgoals1 = 31 | manageryears1 = 2008 | managerclubs1 = Notre Dame Des Missions | manageryears2 = 2009–2010 | managerclubs2 = Leinster U-16 Girls | manageryears3 = 2011–2012 | managerclubs3 = Three Rock Ladies II | manageryears4 = 2012–2013 | managerclubs4 = Glenanne | manageryears5 = 2013 | managerclubs5 = St. Andrew's College }}

'''Nikki Symmons''' (born 2 August 1982) is a former Ireland women's field hockey international. Symmons is also a former Ireland women's cricket international. Between 2001 and 2013 Symmons made 208 appearances and scored 31 goals for Ireland. She represented Ireland at six Women's EuroHockey Nations Championships, during three Olympic qualification campaigns and during three Women's Hockey World Cup qualification campaigns. Symmons played in four Irish Senior Cup finals for Loreto. In 2008–09 she was also a member of the Loreto team that won the inaugural Women's Irish Hockey League title. In 2011 she was a member of the Loreto team that won the EuroHockey Club Champion's Challenge II. In 2015 she was inducted into the European Hockey Federation Hall of Fame. Since 2014 Symmons has worked in Lausanne as a Digital Manager for the International Hockey Federation.

==Early years and education== Symmons was raised in Dublin by her mother, Melanie. Her parents marriage broke up when she still a baby. Her mother subsequently remarried into a family with four children when Symmons was six. Although initially estranged from her father, she established contact with him during her teens. Her grandparents, Harry and Rhona Booker, were a big influence during her formative years. During her youth, Symmons played field hockey, cricket and tennis.<ref name="irishtimes150308">{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/going-for-gold-1.903710|title=Going for gold|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=20 October 2018|date=15 March 2008}}</ref><ref name="lgbt1205">{{cite news|url=http://lgbt.ie/2017/05/12/irish-hockey-superstar-nikki-symmons-talks-about-coming-out-and-being-her-authentic-self-beyourself/|title=Irish hockey superstar Nikki Symmons talks about coming out and being her authentic self #BeYourself|publisher=lgbt.ie|accessdate=21 October 2018|archive-date=20 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020182754/http://lgbt.ie/2017/05/12/irish-hockey-superstar-nikki-symmons-talks-about-coming-out-and-being-her-authentic-self-beyourself/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="eurohockeyprofile">{{cite news|url=https://eurohockey.org/nikki-symmons/|title=Nikki Symmons – Home of The European Hockey Federation|publisher=eurohockey.org|accessdate=19 October 2018}}</ref> She completed her secondary education at Wesley College.<ref name="irishtimes150308"/><ref name="hockeyieprofile">{{cite web|url=http://www.hockey.ie/playerProfile/2654/N_mmo|title=Nikki Symmons|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062944/http://www.hockey.ie/playerProfile/2654/N_mmo|publisher=www.hockey.ie|archivedate=4 March 2016}}</ref><ref name="irishtimes100713">{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/nikki-symmons-still-answering-ireland-summons-200-caps-later-1.1458329|title=Nikki Symmons still answering Ireland summons 200 caps later|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=20 October 2018|date=10 July 2013}}</ref> Between 2002 and 2005 she attended St. Nicholas Montessori College where she gained a BA in Montessori education.<ref name="linkedin211018">{{cite news|url=https://ch.linkedin.com/in/nikki-symmons-b96a6b13|title=Nikki Symmons|publisher=ch.linkedin.com|accessdate=21 October 2018}}</ref> Between 2014 and 2015 Symmons completed a Master of Advanced Studies in Sports Administration and Technology at AISTS.<ref name="eurohockeyprofile"/><ref name="linkedin211018"/><ref name="the42ie220315">{{cite news|url=http://www.the42.ie/nikki-symmons-award-2003783-Mar2015/|title='I thought if I could help just one person be comfortable with themselves, that would be an accomplishment'|publisher=www.the42.ie|accessdate=21 October 2018|date=22 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="globalsportsjobs310517">{{cite news|url=https://www.globalsportsjobs.com/article/interview-aists-graduate-and-former-international-hockey-player-nikki-symmons/|title=Nikki Symmons, My Story from AISTS to the FIH|publisher=www.globalsportsjobs.com|accessdate=21 October 2018|date=31 May 2017}}</ref>

==Field hockey== ===Early years=== Symmons played field hockey for Wesley College. In 1998 she was a member of the Wesley College team that won the Leinster Schoolgirls' Senior Cup.<ref name="irishtimes150308"/><ref name="irishtimes131297">{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/dalkey-take-league-title-for-first-time-1.137186|title=Dalkey take League title for first time|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=21 October 2018|date=13 December 1997}}</ref><ref name="irishtimes130399">{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/captain-goes-out-with-a-winner-1.162704|title=Captain goes out with a winner|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=21 October 2018|date=13 March 1999}}</ref>

===Loreto=== Symmons played in four Irish Senior Cup finals for Loreto. In the 2002 final, Symmons scored twice as Loreto drew 2–2 with Hermes before eventually winning the cup in a penalty shoot-out.<ref name="independent080402">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/womens-hockey-26050905.html|title=WOMEN'S HOCKEY|publisher=www.independent.ie|accessdate=21 October 2018|date=8 April 2002}}</ref> In the 2003 final, Symmons scored the winner in extra-time as Loreto defeated Cork Harlequins 3–2.<ref name="irishtimes240303">{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/symmons-retains-cup-for-loreto-1.353246|title=Symmons retains Cup for Loreto|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=21 October 2018|date=24 March 2003}}</ref> In 2010 Symmons helped Loreto win the Irish Senior Cup for a third time. In the final she scored twice as Loreto drew 2–2 with Railway Union before eventually winning the cup in another penalty shoot-out. Other members of the Loreto team included Nicola Daly, Lizzie Colvin, Hannah Matthews and Alison Meeke.<ref name="irishtimes100510">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0510/1224270049108.html|title=Loreto triumph after shoot-out|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=10 May 2010|date=10 May 2010}}</ref><ref name="hookhockey090510">{{cite news|url=http://hookhockey.blogspot.com/2010/05/loreto-strike-gold-in-stellar-encounter.html|title=Loreto strike gold in stellar encounter|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=6 September 2018|date=9 May 2010}}</ref> Symmons and Loreto were finalists again in 2012 but this time lost 3–2 against UCD.<ref name="iopireland130512">{{cite news|title=Electric Ireland Womens Irish Senior Cup Final Loreto vs UCD |url=http://inpho.ie/assignment/Electric-Ireland-Womens-Irish-Senior-Cup-Final-Loreto-vs-UCD/As1p6gJtnlzhGJvpL8wubQ..a|accessdate=26 June 2016|publisher=www.iopireland.org|date=13 May 2012}}</ref><ref name="sportsfile130512">{{cite news|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/1205103/|title=UCD v Loreto - Electric Ireland Women's Irish Senior Cup Final Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=27 September 2018|date=13 May 2012}}</ref>

In 2008 Symmons was a member of the Loreto team that finished as runners-up to Hermes in the All-Ireland Club Championship.<ref name="hookhockey250508">{{cite web|url=http://hookhockey.blogspot.com/2008/05/|title=Women's Championships final: Hermes 1 Loreto 0 (after golden goal)|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=22 August 2018|date=25 May 2008}}</ref> In 2008–09, together with Hannah Matthews, Lizzie Colvin and Alison Meeke, she was a member of the Loreto team that won the inaugural Women's Irish Hockey League title.<ref name="hookhockey040509">{{cite news|url=http://hookhockey.blogspot.com/2009/05/loreto-take-national-honours.html|title=Loreto take national honours|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=28 September 2018|date=4 May 2009}}</ref> She was also a member of the Loreto teams that finished as league runners-up in 2011–12 and 2012–13.<ref name="sportsfile050513">{{cite news|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/1305041/|title=Loreto Hockey Club v Railway Union - Electric Ireland Irish Hockey League Women's Final Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=25 September 2018|date=5 May 2013}}</ref> Symmons also won European honours with Loreto. In 2011 she was a member of the Loreto team that won the EuroHockey Club Champion's Challenge II, scoring in the final as they defeated HC Olten of Switzerland 7–1.<ref name="hookhockey130611">{{cite web|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2011/06/small-inspires-large-loreto-euro-victory/#.W7aMGPZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616131355/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2011/06/small-inspires-large-loreto-euro-victory#.W7aMGPZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 June 2011|title=Small inspires large Loreto Euro victory|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=4 October 2018|date=13 June 2011}}</ref>

===Eintracht Braunschweig=== Symmons played full-time for Eintracht Braunschweig during the 2006–07 season.<ref name="irishtimes150308"/><ref name="irishtimes220906">{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/hermes-start-as-favourites-1.1006104|title=Hermes start as favourites|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=20 October 2018|date=22 September 2006}}</ref><ref name="bbc190207">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/hockey/6376571.stm|title=Muller selects young Irish squad|publisher=news.bbc.co.uk|accessdate=20 October 2018|date=19 February 2007}}</ref>

===Ireland international=== Between 2001 and 2013 Symmons made 208 appearances and scored 31 goals for Ireland. Symmons had represented Ireland at Under-16, Under-18 and Under-21 level before making her senior debut against Wales in 2001. She subsequently represented Ireland at six Women's EuroHockey Nations Championships, during three Olympic qualification campaigns and during three Women's Hockey World Cup qualification campaigns.<ref name="eurohockeyprofile"/><ref name="hockeyieprofile"/><ref name="irishtimes100713"/> On 3 May 2008 Symmons made her 100th senior appearance for Ireland against Italy at the 2008 Women's Field Hockey Olympic Qualifier.<ref name="hookhockey040508">{{cite web|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2008/05/oqt-ireland-0-italy-2/#.XHhSlvZ2ty0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074803/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2008/05/oqt-ireland-0-italy-2/#.XHhSlvZ2ty0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=1 March 2019|title=OQT: Ireland 0 Italy 2|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=28 February 2019|date=4 May 2008}}</ref><ref name="hookhockey190811">{{cite news|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2011/08/granny-symmons-sees-major-euro-opportunity/#.W8tyufZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024035149/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2011/08/granny-symmons-sees-major-euro-opportunity/#.W8tyufZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=24 October 2018|title='Granny' Symmons sees major Euro opportunity|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=20 October 2018|date=19 August 2011}}</ref> On 19 June 2011 she made her 150th senior appearance against Azerbaijan at the 2011 Women's Hockey Champions Challenge I.<ref name="hockeyieprofile"/><ref name="hookhockey190811"/> On 22 June 2013 she made her 200th senior appearance in a 3–2 defeat against Canada.<ref name="irishtimes100713"/><ref name="hookhockey220613">{{cite news|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2013/06/18516/#.W4xc4vZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905180041/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2013/06/18516/#.W4xc4vZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=5 September 2018|title=Symmons hits 200 but Canada spoil the party|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=2 September 2018|date=22 June 2013}}</ref><ref name="sportsnewsireland220613">{{cite news|url=https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/hockey-nikki-symmons-200th-cap-as-ireland-and-canada-share-first-two-tests-201-06-25/|title=Hockey: Nikki Symmons 200th Cap as Ireland and Canada share first two tests|publisher=www.sportsnewsireland.com|accessdate=2 September 2018|date=22 June 2013|archive-date=5 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905180125/https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/hockey-nikki-symmons-200th-cap-as-ireland-and-canada-share-first-two-tests-201-06-25/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="sportsfile220613">{{cite news|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/1306208/|title=Ireland v Canada - Electric Ireland Senior Women's International Friendly Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=21 October 2018|date=22 June 2013}}</ref><ref name="belfasttelegraph290115">{{cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/hockey/loss-of-nikki-symmons-puts-a-huge-dent-in-irish-olympic-bid-30946732.html|title=Loss of Nikki Symmons puts a huge dent in Irish Olympic bid|publisher=www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk|accessdate=21 October 2018|date=29 January 2015}}</ref> On 24 August 2013 Symmons made her 208th and final appearance for Ireland against Scotland at the 2013 Women's EuroHockey Nations Championship.<ref name="eurohockeyprofile"/> In 2015 Symmons was inducted into the European Hockey Federation Hall of Fame. She was honoured during a half-time ceremony at the 2015 Men's EuroHockey Nations Championship final. <ref name="hookhockey300815">{{cite news|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2015/08/symmons-inducted-in-the-ehf-hall-of-fame/#.W8tsW_ZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907180205/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2015/08/symmons-inducted-in-the-ehf-hall-of-fame/#.W8tsW_ZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=7 September 2015|title=Symmons inducted in the EHF Hall of Fame|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=20 October 2018|date=30 August 2015}}</ref><ref name="fih310815">{{cite news|url=http://www.fih.ch/news/ireland-s-nikki-symmons-and-spain-s-pol-amat-inducted-into-european-hall-of-fame/|title=Ireland's Nikki Symmons and Spain's Pol Amat inducted into European Hall of Fame|publisher=www.fih.ch|accessdate=22 October 2018|date=31 August 2015}}</ref> Symmons was Ireland's most capped women's field hockey international until she was overtaken by Shirley McCay in 2015.<ref name="hookhockey250715">{{cite news|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2015/07/golden-moment-for-irelands-women-as-mccay-breaks-caps-record-in-prague/#.W5ggn_ZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811144959/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2015/07/golden-moment-for-irelands-women-as-mccay-breaks-caps-record-in-prague/#.W5ggn_ZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=11 August 2015|title=Golden moment for Ireland's women as McCay breaks caps record in Prague|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=11 September 2018|date=25 July 2015}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable collapsible" ! Tournaments ! Place |- |2003 Women's EuroHockey Nations Championship||6th |- |2004 Women's Field Hockey Olympic Qualifier<ref name="sportcentric190304">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportcentric.com/vsite/vfile/page/fileurl/0,11040,1181-148559-165775-56605-0-file,00.pdf|title=Ukraine 0–1 Ireland|publisher=www.sportcentric.com|accessdate=1 March 2019|date=19 March 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305072638/http://www.sportcentric.com/vsite/vfile/page/fileurl/0,11040,1181-148559-165775-56605-0-file,00.pdf|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>||8th |- |2005 Women's EuroHockey Nations Championship<ref name="inpho140805">{{cite web|url=https://inpho.ie/assignment/European-Hockey-Nations-Championships-Ireland-vs-France-14-8-2005/dexpg58Ka77YG6diZOJZuA..a|title=European Hockey Nations Championships Ireland vs France|publisher=inpho.ie|accessdate=28 February 2019|date=14 August 2005}}</ref><ref name="sportsfile160805">{{cite news|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/D0508064/5000/|title=Ireland v Spain - Hockey Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=21 October 2018|date=16 August 2005}}</ref>||5th |- |2006 Women's Hockey World Cup Qualifier<ref name="sportsfile020506">{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/D0605008/|title=Ireland v Azerbaijan - Samsung Women's Hockey World Cup Qualifier Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=28 February 2019|date=2 May 2006}}</ref> ||8th |- |2007 Women's EuroHockey Nations Championship<ref name="irishtimes260707">{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/ireland-hopeful-levova-coasts-into-semi-finals-best-1.951429|title=Muller names Euro squad|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=28 February 2019|date=26 July 2007}}</ref><ref name="bbc230807">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/hockey/6961184.stm|title=Cregan double earns Irish victory|publisher=news.bbc.co.uk|accessdate=2 March 2019|date=23 August 2007}}</ref>||6th |- |2008 Women's Field Hockey Olympic Qualifier<ref name="irishtimes290408">{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/ireland-in-control-1.918175|title=Ireland in control|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=3 March 2019|date=29 April 2008}}</ref><ref name="hookhockey040508"/>||3rd |- |2009 Women's Hockey Champions Challenge II<ref name="hookhockey270609">{{cite web|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2009/06/ireland-end-champs-challenge-in-bronze/#.XJVnCPZ2tjo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205222924/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2009/06/ireland-end-champs-challenge-in-bronze/#.XJVnCPZ2tjo|url-status=usurped|archive-date=5 February 2020|title=Ireland end Champs' Challenge in bronze|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=22 March 2019|date=27 June 2009}}</ref>||3rd |- |2009 Women's EuroHockey Nations Championship<ref name="fih310709">{{cite news|url=http://www.fih.ch/news/ireland-announces-womens-eurohockey-nations-championship-squad/|title=Ireland announces women's EuroHockey Nations Championship squad|publisher=www.fih.ch|accessdate=3 January 2019|date=31 July 2009}}</ref><ref name="irishtimes260809">{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/ireland-s-semi-final-dream-shattered-by-spanish-1.725927|title=Ireland's semi-final dream shattered by Spanish|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=1 March 2019|date=26 August 2009}}</ref>||5th |- |2010 Women's Hockey World Cup Qualifiers<ref name="irishexaminer240310">{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/other-sports/oflynn-ready-to-answer-ireland-call-115302.html|title=O'Flynn ready to answer Ireland call|publisher=www.irishexaminer.com|accessdate=7 November 2018|date=24 March 2010}}</ref>||3rd |- |2011 Women's Hockey Champions Challenge I<ref name="sportsfile180611">{{cite news|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/1106121/5000/|title=Ireland v India - ESB Electric Ireland Champions Challenge Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=16 October 2018|date=18 June 2011}}</ref>||6th |- |2011 Women's EuroHockey Nations Championship<ref name="hookhockey250811">{{cite web|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2011/08/azerbaijan-win-gives-ireland-euro-lifeline/#.XJVjlfZ2tjo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812133316/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2011/08/azerbaijan-win-gives-ireland-euro-lifeline/#.XJVjlfZ2tjo|url-status=usurped|archive-date=12 August 2020|title=Azerbaijan win gives Ireland Euro lifeline|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=22 March 2019|date=25 August 2011}}</ref><ref name="hookhockey270811">{{cite web|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2011/08/mullers-charges-complete-great-euro-escape/#.XJVhsfZ2tjo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605111524/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2011/08/mullers-charges-complete-great-euro-escape/#.XJVhsfZ2tjo|url-status=usurped|archive-date=5 June 2021|title=Muller's charges complete great Euro escape|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=22 March 2019|date=27 August 2011}}</ref>||6th |- |2012 Women's Field Hockey Olympic Qualifier<ref name="rte270312">{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/hockey/2012/0325/313472-olympic-hockey-play-off-belgium-4-1-ireland/|title=Olympic hockey play-off: Belgium 4-1 Ireland|publisher=www.rte.ie|accessdate=13 September 2018|date=27 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="sportsfile250312">{{cite news|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/1203271/5000/|title=Belgium v Ireland - Women's 2012 Olympic Qualifying Tournament Final Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=13 September 2018|date=25 March 2012}}</ref>||2nd |- |2012 Women's Hockey Investec Cup<ref name="hookhockey070612">{{cite news|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2012/06/dutch-class-undoes-irish-women/#.W8Y8OPZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018043117/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2012/06/dutch-class-undoes-irish-women/#.W8Y8OPZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=18 October 2018|title=Dutch class undoes Irish women|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=16 October 2018|date=7 June 2012}}</ref>||6th |- |2012 Women's Hockey Champions Challenge I<ref name="sportsfile290912">{{cite news|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/1209249/|title=Ireland v South Africa - Women's Electric Ireland Hockey Champions Challenge 1 Pool B Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=16 October 2018|date=29 September 2012}}</ref><ref name="sportsfile021012">{{cite news|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/1210010/|title=Ireland v USA - Women's Electric Ireland Hockey Champions Challenge 1 Pool B Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=16 October 2018|date=2 October 2012}}</ref><ref name="hookhockey081012">{{cite news|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2012/10/brilliant-bronze-as-resilient-ireland-fightback-to-beat-scotland-on-penalties/#.W83n6vZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013110440/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2012/10/brilliant-bronze-as-resilient-ireland-fightback-to-beat-scotland-on-penalties/#.W83n6vZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=13 October 2012|title=Brilliant bronze as resilient Ireland fightback to beat Scotland on penalties|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=22 October 2018|date=8 October 2012}}</ref>||3rd |- |2012–13 Women's FIH Hockey World League Round 2<ref name="hookhockey120213">{{cite news|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2013/02/smith-makes-three-changes-as-sargent-returns/#.W83k3PZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022232539/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2013/02/smith-makes-three-changes-as-sargent-returns/#.W83k3PZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=22 October 2018|title=Smith makes three changes as Sargent returns|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=22 October 2018|date=12 February 2013}}</ref>||4th |- |2013 Women's EuroHockey Nations Championship<ref name="hookhockey150713">{{cite news|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2013/07/seven-changes-as-smith-shuffles-his-deck-for-european-championships/#.W8Y94PZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017001930/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2013/07/seven-changes-as-smith-shuffles-his-deck-for-european-championships/#.W8Y94PZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=17 October 2018|title=Seven changes as Smith shuffles his deck for European championships|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=16 October 2018|date=15 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="hookhockey240813">{{cite news|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2013/08/scotland-send-ireland-down-to-european-second-tier/#.W8ZEXPZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509154016/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2013/08/scotland-send-ireland-down-to-european-second-tier/#.W8ZEXPZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=9 May 2014|title=Scotland send Ireland down to European second tier|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=16 October 2018|date=24 August 2013}}</ref>||7th |- |}

{{small|'''Source''':<ref name="eurohockeyprofile">{{cite news|url=https://eurohockey.org/nikki-symmons/|title=Nikki Symmons – Home of The European Hockey Federation|publisher=eurohockey.org|accessdate=19 October 2018}}</ref> }}

===Coach=== Symmons began coaching while still an active player. In 2008 she was teaching and coaching at Notre Dame Des Missions.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} In 2009 and 2010 she worked with the Leinster U-16 Girls squad.<ref name="hookhockey210909">{{cite news|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2009/09/symmons-releases-leinster-u-16-girls-panel/#.W8t14fZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024035158/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2009/09/symmons-releases-leinster-u-16-girls-panel/#.W8t14fZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=24 October 2018|title=Symmons releases Leinster U-16 girl's panel|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=20 October 2018|date=21 September 2009}}</ref><ref name="hookhockey121010">{{cite news|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2010/10/leinster-reveal-new-look-schoolgirl-panels/#.W8t6kvZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017085031/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2010/10/leinster-reveal-new-look-schoolgirl-panels#.W8t6kvZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=17 October 2010|title=Leinster reveal new-look schoolgirl panels|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=20 October 2018|date=12 October 2010}}</ref> During the 2011–12 season she coached Three Rock Ladies II to promotion from the Leinster Women's Division Five to Division Four. She also guided them to a win in a Division Five/Six Cup title. During the 2012–13 season she coached a Glenanne Ladies team that included Mary Waldron in the Leinster Women's Division One.<ref name="irishtimes100713"/><ref name="hookhockey220812">{{cite news|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2012/08/symmons-takes-glenanne-ladies-coaching-job/#.W8tv9_ZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023234335/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2012/08/symmons-takes-glenanne-ladies-coaching-job/#.W8tv9_ZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=23 October 2018|title=Symmons takes Glenanne ladies coaching job|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=20 October 2018|date=22 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="hookhockey140912">{{cite news|url=http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2012/09/glenanne-womens-division-one-preview-2/#.W6K5KvZFxy0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921230446/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2012/09/glenanne-womens-division-one-preview-2/#.W6K5KvZFxy0|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 September 2018|title=Glenanne – Women's Division One preview|publisher=www.hookhockey.com|accessdate=19 September 2018|date=14 September 2012}}</ref> She also coached at St. Andrew's College.<ref name="hockeyieprofile"/><ref name="sac111013">{{cite news|url=http://www.sac.ie/_files/1144AFBAE35A7881401C6214DBA8F78B.pdf|title=St Andrew's College Alumni|publisher=www.sac.ie|accessdate=22 October 2018|date=11 October 2013}}</ref> In 2014 Symmons was also a coach on the RTÉ programme ''Ireland's Fittest Family''.<ref name="rte171213">{{cite news|url=https://presspack.rte.ie/irelands-fittest-familyrte-onesunday-september-22ndnikki-symmons/|title=Ireland's Fittest Family – Nikki Symmons|publisher=presspack.rte.ie|accessdate=22 October 2018|date=17 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="independent200114">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/fight-broke-out-between-two-families-on-new-show-reveals-host-29931313.html|title=Fight broke out between two families on new show, reveals host|publisher=www.independent.ie|accessdate=22 October 2018|date=20 January 2014}}</ref>

==Cricket== {{Infobox cricketer | female = yes | image = | international = true | internationalspan = 2010 | country = Ireland | batting = Right-handed | bowling = Right-arm medium | role = Batter | family =

| columns = 3 | hidedeliveries = true | column1 = WODI | matches1 = 4 | runs1 = 15 | bat avg1 = 3.75 | 100s/50s1 = 0/0 | top score1 = 6 | catches/stumpings1 = 1/– | column2 = WT20I | matches2 = 3 | runs2 = 110 | bat avg2 = 36.66 | 100s/50s2 = 0/1 | top score2 = 86 | catches/stumpings2 = 2/– | column3 = WLA | matches3 = 5 | runs3 = 15 | bat avg3 = 3.75 | 100s/50s3 = 0/0 | top score3 = 6 | catches/stumpings3 = 1/– | date = 2 June | year = 2021 | source = https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1027/1027847/1027847.html CricketArchive }}

===Domestic teams=== Symmons played cricket at Wesley College<ref name="irishtimes150308"/> and for Pembroke. Her Pembroke teammates included Mary Waldron and Kim Garth.<ref name="cricketeurope060910">{{cite news|url=https://www.cricketeurope.com/DATABASE/ARTICLES3/articles/000047/004787.shtml|title=Metcalfe captains youthful Ireland Women's squad|publisher=www.cricketeurope.com|accessdate=21 October 2018|date=6 September 2010}}</ref>

===Ireland international=== Symmons was selected to represent Ireland at the 2010 ICC Women's Cricket Challenge.<ref name="cricketeurope060910"/> She subsequently played four One Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals matches during the series. On 6 October 2010 she made her WODI debut against Pakistan. On 14 October 2010 she made her WT20I against Sri Lanka. On 16 October 2010 she scored 86 off 48 balls in a WT20I win against the Netherlands.<ref name="eurohockeyprofile"/><ref name="espncricinfoprofile">{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ireland/content/player/475907.html|title=Nikki Symmons|publisher=www.espncricinfo.com|accessdate=19 October 2018}}</ref>

==FIH== Since September 2014 Symmons has worked as a Digital Manager for the International Hockey Federation. She is based at the FIH headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.<ref name="eurohockeyprofile"/><ref name="linkedin211018"/><ref name="the42ie220315"/><ref name="globalsportsjobs310517"/><ref name="irishtimes280318">{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/abroad/working-abroad/working-abroad-has-broadened-my-mind-and-opened-new-opportunities-1.3429895|title='Working abroad has broadened my mind and opened new opportunities'|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=23 October 2018|date=28 March 2018}}</ref>

==Personal life== Symmons is openly gay. She came out to family members when she was 21.<ref name="lgbt1205"/> In October 2014 Symmons spoke publicly about being gay for the first time. She appeared on the RTÉ2 programme ''Second Captains Live'', taking part in a discussion on homosexuality in modern sports along with Shane Horgan and Donal Óg Cusack.<ref name="the42ie220315"/><ref name="the42ie031114">{{cite news|url=http://www.the42.ie/second-captains-homosexuality-sport-donal-og-cusack-nikki-symmons-1760911-Nov2014/|title=Miss the excellent Second Captains Live discussion on homosexuality in sport?|publisher=www.the42.ie|accessdate=21 October 2018|date=3 November 2014}}</ref><ref name="independent140115">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/ladies-football/cork-star-valerie-mulcahy-goes-public-on-sexuality-to-help-others-30906593.html|title=Cork star Valerie Mulcahy goes public on sexuality 'to help others'|publisher=www.independent.ie|accessdate=19 March 2018|date=14 January 2015}}</ref>

==Honours== ===Field hockey=== ;Ireland *'''Women's Field Hockey Olympic Qualifier''' **''Runners Up'': 2012 ;Loreto *'''Irish Senior Cup''' **''Winners'': 2002, 2003, 2009–10 **''Runners Up'': 2011–12 *'''Women's Irish Hockey League''' **''Winners'': 2008–09 **''Runners Up'': 2011–12, 2012–13 *'''EuroHockey Club Champion's Challenge II''' **''Winners'': 2011 *'''All-Ireland Club Championship''' **''Runners Up'': 2008 ;Wesley College *'''Leinster Schoolgirls' Senior Cup''' **''Winners'': 1998

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Symmons, Nikki}} Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:Ireland international women's field hockey players Category:Irish women's field hockey players Category:Irish field hockey coaches Category:Irish women cricketers Category:Ireland women One Day International cricketers Category:Ireland women Twenty20 International cricketers Category:Irish lesbian sportswomen Category:LGBTQ field hockey players Category:LGBTQ cricketers Category:People educated at Wesley College, Dublin Category:Irish schoolteachers Category:Cricketers from Dublin (city) Category:Irish expatriate sportspeople in Germany Category:Irish expatriate sportspeople in Switzerland Category:Women's Irish Hockey League players Category:Field hockey players from County Dublin Category:Feldhockey Bundesliga (Women's field hockey) players Category:Irish field hockey administrators