A gathering of 9 Group's elite partners hit the heights last month when they were invited to a luncheon at London's Shard with England and Great Britain women's hockey goalkeeper Maddie Hinch.
Rated as the world's number one female goalkeeper for the past two years, Hinch is one of four sports ambassadors who have agreed to work with 9 in the lead up to the 2020 Olympics in line with the company's 'Free to Perform' brand identity.
Hinch was the star of the GB team that secured a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, saving all four penalties in the shoot-out with The Netherlands.
"I just knew where they were going to place their shots. It's all in the preparation," recalled the 29-year-old who, before the shootout began, pulled out a little black book with notes on the opposition.
"I knew everything about them but it was intended to psyche them out and I guess it worked," she told 9's Partner Director Adam Cathcart, who relished his role as sports interviewer for the day.
Sussex born Hinch will reveal more insights into her successful career and the big match tactics she employs as a star guest at the Comms National Awards on October 11th, where 9 will be headline sponsor for the sixth year running.
"We are delighted to have Maddie on board as part of our team of sporting brand ambassadors," said 9 Group Marketing Director Mark Saunders. "Maddie is an engaging combination of a proven winner and a truly inspirational role model who personifies our 'free to perform' ethos."
Also present at the event was multi-talented Emily Harris who is an England field hockey junior international and a Great Britain junior ice hockey international, who was coached in her younger days by 9 Sales Director Ryan Cathcart, brother of Adam. Both Cathcart's are accomplished ice hockey players.
Picture shows Maddie Hinch, circled by 9 Group partners who attended the event and Emily Harris, far left.