Sophie Bray believes she is getting stronger as a player as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.

In September Bray will launch her competitive career outdoors with East Grinstead, a club she has shone for at indoor level for the last two years.

Before then she faces what could be the greatest moment of her career so far as she spearheads England women’s challenge at the Commonwealth Games.

Bray, 24, was in England’s squad for the disappointing World Cup campaign in the Netherlands.

This will be her first multi-sports tournament and she is relishing the opportunity.

She told The Argus: “I can’t wait and I’m really looking forward to it. It is just a case now of making the final preparations.

“This is Team England with 650 athletes. I can’t wait to get to the village and be part of the team environment.

“We will be going into the tournament trying to do our best and trying to win gold.

“It is good to be selected for the tournaments and I feel I am growing as an international player and hopefully I will continue to do so.”

Bray has joined East Grinstead for the 2014-15 outdoor campaign after a spell playing in Holland for MOP.

Grinstead have made tremendous strides – outdoors and indoors – in recent years as they try to attain to the level of the men’s first team at the club.

The capture of Bray – one of the rising stars of English hockey – is seen as a real coup and the player is looking forward to playing her part.

She said: “I am very excited about starting next season. It is a team and club where the men’s side are well established at home and in Europe and now we want to do the same with the women.

“The aim is to progress rapidly.”