Hockey Captain 2024. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to Jayden Leech. Jayden is the Hockey Captain ’24 of Grey College, Bloemfontein, 1st hockey team. He today scores goal number 1 in our series this year on Hockey Captains from high schools in South Africa.
Jayden, at what age did you start playing hockey?
- I started playing hockey in Grade 1 for Grey College Primary.
Why do you like hockey? What made you decide to play hockey?
- I love playing hockey because of the brotherhood formed between teammates and the fun I have while practicing or playing the sport!
Who is your favourite professional hockey player? Why?
- My favourite hockey player is Mustapha Cassiem, He plays as a forward for the South African national team. He is an excellent hockey player and a mentality monster who always give it his all on the field.
What position are you currently playing? What position/s have you played?
- I play center back, preferably left center back and I have also been a defender my whole hockey career.
When were you first elected captain?
- I was the captain of the u/16A Grey College Hockey team in 2022.
What, in your opinion as Hockey Captain 2024, is the greatest task of the captain – on the field and during training?
- Making sure the team is mentally ready for each game, that we also have belief in ourselves and in one another each time we step onto the field.
Tell us what prowess/qualities do you think a good hockey player should possess?
- The ability to listen and to be coachable, is in my opinion one of the most important qualities a good hockey player can possess, as well as having a strong mentality to be able to push through the tough times.
What inspires you every time you step onto the hockey field for a game?
- Without a doubt, the badge on my chest. It is a privilege to walk onto the field representing my school. That is my biggest inspiration for every game.
In your career as Hockey Captain 2024 up to now – which game has been the most fun for you? Please elaborate.
- Our game vs Maritzburg College at the 2024 KES Festival. We played with tired legs the last game of the tournament and never stopped running for each other. We ended up scoring the only goal of the game with 2 minutes to go to win and complete the festival unbeaten!
Which game do you want to forget soon? Your worst game? What did you learn from it?
- Our game vs Fichardt Park High School in 2023. We lost 2-3. I learnt to never underestimate an opponent and to make sure you always give 100% effort every single game. You are entitled to nothing as a player and have to work for every result.
How do you handle pressure during a hockey game?
- Sometimes I just take a moment and breathe for 10-20 seconds when there is an opportunity in the game. Communication between teammates is also vital to relieving pressure. It helps you understand you are not alone in the moment and you have 15 teammates fighting besides you for the same outcome.
As Hockey Captain 2024, how do you motivate your team?
- It differs each game. Understanding your teammates individually and making sure you motivate the specific person in the way that also benefits him most. Motivating my team as a whole is just getting them to play for each other and the badge on their chest.
What are your current top 5 priorities in life?
- 1. To pass matric with 7 distinctions. 2. To improve my relationship with God. 3. To be the best captain I can be to my team and play each game giving it my all to win for the school. 4. To finish off my reign as vice-captain of the school making sure I leave Grey College in a better place. 5. Just being there for my friends and those close to me helping them if they ever need any help or support.
Do you have any advice for beginners in hockey?
- Just have fun. Play with confidence and believe in yourself, never doubt your abilities or put too much pressure on yourself.
Do you plan to continue hockey after school? At what level?
- Yes, I would like to continue playing hockey after school at university level.
What’s your biggest single highlight (sport or otherwise) in the last five years?
- Becoming Captain of the First Hockey Team in 2024. It is a massive honor and privilege that not many people get to experience.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests besides hockey?
- I play First Team Waterpolo and am also a black belt in Karate.
How would your coach and teammates describe you?
I would hope they would describe me as a humble leader and someone who always gives it his all for the school as well as someone who is always there to provide support no matter the circumstances.
Is there any coach or hockey player you look up to as a role model?
- Dayaan Cassiem. He is the captain of the South African Hockey team and is an excellent hockey player. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is an excellent leader whom is looked up to by his teammates and also most hockey players around the world.
Which professional hockey player would you like to have coffee with?
- Jacques van Tonder and Trevor de Lora.
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