schoolsthatrock
Hockey Captain. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to Lee Caitlin. Lee is the Hockey Captain of Curro Hillcrest High School in Durban, 1st girls hockey team. She today scores the seventh goal in our series this year on Hockey Captains from high schools in South Africa and Namibia.
Lee, at what age did you start playing hockey?
- I started playing hockey when I was in grade 1.
Why do you like hockey? What made you decide to play hockey?
- I love hockey because it has allowed me to build so many friendships in life with people not only from my school but also outside of school. I love hockey because it is a method I use to destress during my busy school life. Hockey also keeps me active and has become a passion of mine. The speed of the game and the intensity that makes my adrenaline go is something I crave.
Who is your favourite professional hockey player? Why?
- Mustafa Casseim is one of my favorite hockey players because he is such an amazing hockey player. He is a South African field hockey player who plays as a forward for the South African national team. His ability to never give up in a match inspires me. His incredible ability to have skill off the ball and on the ball makes him a world class hockey player. The amount of skill he has is at another level
What position are you currently playing? What position/s have you played?
- I am currently playing in the link line. I haven’t played in any other position. I sometimes put as a forward but I mainly play in the link line.
In your opinion as Hockey Captain, what is the greatest task of the captain – on the field and during training?
- To motivate players to always put their best foot forward. To also be the example and set the standard as the captain because, as the captain, you set the energy on the field. So if you show energy and determination it will create a Domino affect onto the rest of the team.
What prowess/qualities do you think a good hockey player should possess?
- The quality to not only have the skills on the ball but off the ball as well. People often only look at the people on the ball but it is the people who do the most work off the ball that make a good hockey player. To find that balance makes you a good hockey player.
What inspires you every time you step onto the hockey field for a game?
- When I step onto the field I often remind myself that it’s just a game and that playing my best is all that matters. This inspires me for the game that I’m only as good as my best and that if I make a mistake it’s apart of the game and it doesn’t make me any less of the hockey player I am.
In your career up to now – which game has been the most fun for you? Please elaborate.
- The St Mary’s game at the Spar tournament. Curro has always been an underdog and we went into this tournament with high spirits and were determined to come out on the top. After a long day of hockey we came to the last game and unfortunately our points to get into the final counted on another teams points. After sitting anxiously and watching the game that could determine our podium stop, we were internally celebrating when they drew. It was our chance and we were in the final. This game was a highlight as it was a game where we fought our hardest and played our hardest. We went in really to win and from that day on we have been closer as a team since.
Which game do you want to forget soon? Your worst game? What did you learn from it?
- Our Fatima game. This game we went in with such high spirits and we were dominating in the first half, then we crashed. This game took a turn we really thought we would come out with at least a draw or a 3-1 or 2-1 lose. This game we thought that sticking to our structure was the most important tactic. And it taught me to keep cool and not get frustrated with my players because they too were frustrated.
How do you handle pressure during a hockey game?
- I handle pressure by slowing down the game and taking my time, rather than throwing away passes. Taking an extra 1 second to plan a decision really helps relax the game.
As Hockey Captain, how do you motivate your team?
- I often use motivational words and uplifting compliments to motivate my team to work harder.
What are your current top 5 priorities in life?
- 1.- Hockey
2- School
3- Family
4- My spritirual relationships with God
5- My quiet time
Do you have any advice for beginners in hockey?
- My best advice would probably to never give up as a hockey player. It may be really hard and demotivating when you make a mistake or aren’t as good as the player next to you. However, don’t give up no matter how many mistakes you make. If you keep on trying you will eventually get somewhere. Consistency is key. If you are always putting in 100% you will eventually get out 100%.
Do you plan to continue hockey after school? At what level?
- Yes I will definitely continue to play hockey after school, hopefully playing for my varsity’s first side and the province. Then, one day, may be playing for our South African team.
What’s your biggest single highlight (sport or otherwise) in the last five years?
- One of my biggest highlights would probably be going to PSI in 2023. It was my first year doing PSI and it was such a great tour. My love for hockey grew exponentially and I made lifelong friends.
Lee, how would your coach and teammates describe you?
- As a dedicated player, someone who never gives up.
Is there any coach or hockey player you look up to as a role model?
- I look up to the players I play with at club. Those girls are always giving 100% and have such good skill on and off the ball. They inspire me every day because of how dedicated they are and how far they have come.
More school news: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za
Photo supplied
Become a Sponsor
