At mydentist, we’re always proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of our people – and this summer, one of our very own is heading to the international stage.
Paige Brooks, Head Nurse at mydentist Avalon House in Sunderland, has been selected to represent Team GB Lionesses at the Legends Ball Hockey World Championships 2026 in Slovakia. Competing against top international teams such as the USA and Canada, Paige’s selection marks a major milestone in both her sporting and professional journey.
Where Paige’s journey began
Paige’s journey into ball hockey started by chance. Already playing ice hockey for a local team, she was introduced to the sport by a friend and quickly discovered a passion for it. Since then, she has successfully balanced both disciplines alongside her full-time role as a Head Nurse at Avalon House.
Paige’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. Last year, she experienced a serious setback after tearing her ACL, which kept her off the ice for six months. Through dedicated physiotherapy and determination, Paige made a full recovery—returning not just to play, but stronger than before.
Her resilience was recognised when she was named assistant captain of her ice hockey team, a leadership role she now balances alongside her work and international commitments.
Reflecting on her journey, Paige commented: “It’s a huge honour and a privilege to represent Great Britain. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of. But it hasn’t been without its challenges—I’ve had to overcome my ACL injury, but with physiotherapy and determination, I have been able to return to both sports.
This season, my ice hockey team reached the finals weekend of the Women’s National Ice Hockey League, another significant achievement I’m so proud to be part of.”
It’s all about balance
Training at an elite level while working full time requires dedication and careful time management. Paige trains twice a week with her ice hockey team and regularly attends national ball hockey sessions with players from across the UK.
By fitting most of her training into evenings, Paige continues to deliver in her role at mydentist while pursuing her sporting goals—a true testament to her commitment and drive.
Aiming for gold
Heading into the championships, Paige has her sights set high. Paige commented: “The level of competition is exciting. We know these matches will be challenging, but that’s what makes them so rewarding. Women’s sport doesn’t always get the coverage it deserves, so having this level of exposure on broadcast channel TNT is a huge milestone for us.”
The tournament will be televised, offering unprecedented visibility for women’s ball hockey and helping to shine a spotlight on the sport globally.
Looking ahead, Paige hopes to trial for the GB women’s senior ball hockey team next season while continuing to develop in her leadership role in ice hockey, with ambitions to progress to Division One.
A team behind her every step
Back at Avalon House, Paige has the full support of her colleagues. Practice Manager Lynsey Warrener commented: “We are incredibly proud of Paige and everything she has achieved. Being selected to represent Team GB is an outstanding accomplishment and reflects her dedication, resilience, and passion both inside and outside of work. She is a real inspiration to the whole team at Avalon House, and we’ll all be cheering her on.”
Explore careers at mydentist
At mydentist, people are at the heart of everything we do — from supporting patients in practice to giving back to our communities. Colleagues like Paige show how rewarding a career in dentistry can be, combining professional development with achievements and passions beyond the practice.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, we offer a range of opportunities across clinical and non-clinical roles, with the support, training and culture to help you grow.
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Paige will be sharing updates from Slovakia on her social channels, along with coverage from her ice hockey club, Whitley Bay Beacons. You can follow her journey on Instagram: @paigemelissabrooks