Hockey Captain. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to Classien Wassin. Classien is the Captain of Curro Westbrook, High School in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), 1st girls’ hockey team. She today scores the nineth goal in our series this year on Hockey Captains from high schools in South Africa and Namibia.
Classien, at what age did you start playing hockey?
- I started playing hockey at the age of ten years old.
Why do you like hockey? What made you decide to play hockey?
- I love hockey as it became my therapy and I enjoy the fast pace of the sport. I was asked by a teacher to join the team and, as time passed on, I started to like it.
Who is your favorite professional hockey player? Why?
- Kristen Paton, because she is spoken as the future of South African hockey player. She is a South African hockey player for the South African National team.
What position are you currently playing? What position/s have you played?
- I currently play Center forward and I have also played left link and center back.
When were you first elected captain?
- This is my first experience of being a Hockey Captain.
What, in your opinion, is the greatest task of the captain – on the field and during training?
- During training I will watch my team play to see their weaknesses. On the field we have to play as a team and give our best.
Tell us what prowess/qualities do you think a good hockey player should possess?
- Leadership, commitment and being a team player.
What inspires you every time you step onto the hockey field for a game?
- To win the game and to give it my best.
In your career as Hockey Captain up to now – which game has been the most fun for you? Please elaborate.
- The most fun for me was playing against St. Georges Primary School because it was out first time playing on an astro. It felt different from playing on grass.
Which game do you want to forget soon? Your worst game? What did you learn from it?
- The game we played against DSG. We lost the game 0 – 7 and I have learnt that even if you lose you should not give up.
How do you handle pressure during a hockey game
- I handle pressure by calming myself down by breathing in and out.
As Hockey Captain, how do you motivate your team?
- I tell them that they should never give up on each other and trusting their team members.
What are your current top 5 priorities in life?
- To complete my education.
- To become a successful hockey player.
- To go overseas for studies.
- Being the best sister, my brother could ask for.
- Be a better leader I am now.
Do you have any advice for beginners in hockey?
- Even if you feel like you will not get to where you want to be, just keep on going with what you are doing.
Do you plan to continue hockey after school? At what level?
- Yes, I am planning to continue playing hockey after school and at an EP level.
What’s your biggest single highlight (sport or otherwise) in the last five years?
- Our game when I was the only one who scored a goal.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests besides hockey?
- My hobby is listening to music.
Is there any coach or hockey player you look up to as a role model?
- I would say Mrs. Pietersen.
Which professional hockey player would you like to have coffee with?
- Kristen Paton.
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