Hockey Captain. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to Mia Kotze. Mia is the Girls’ 1st team Hockey Captain of Curro Durbanville High School in Cape Town. She today scores the tenth goal in our series this year on Hockey Captains from high schools in South Africa and Namibia.
Mia, at what age did you start playing hockey?
- I started playing hockey for my school at the age of 7. Before that, my mother showed me how to hold a stick and hit a ball.
Why do you like hockey? What made you decide to play hockey?
- I am also a tennis player which is a very lonely sport. Therefore, I treasure the camaraderie among teammates. The combination of skill, quick thinking, agility and precision is thrilling!
Who is your favourite professional hockey player? Why?
- Xan de Waard, an outstanding Dutch midfielder. She can do anything with the ball, and she is fast and furious. She is technically and tactically so strong.
What position are you currently playing? What position/s have you played?
- Currently I play blocker, but I have played striker, link and defender as well.
When were you first elected Hockey Captain?
- I was elected as captain for the 2024 hockey season at the beginning of the season.
What, in your opinion, is the greatest task of the captain – on the field and during training?
- The greatest task of a captain is to lead by example both on the practise field and during matches. They set an example through their performance, attitude and work ethic. A captain should believe in their team and make sure they back themselves. Also to keep team moral high.
Tell us what prowess/qualities do you think a good hockey player should possess?
- A good hockey player should be agile, tenacious and have good composure.
What inspires you every time you step onto the hockey field for a game?
- The privilege of having a talent given to me by God inspires me to give my best on the hockey field.
In your career as Hockey Captain up to now – which game has been the most fun for you? Please elaborate.
- A match in 2023 where almost every team member had the opportunity to score a goal (I won’t mention the school)!
Which game do you want to forget soon? Your worst game? What did you learn from it?
- Our match against Paarl Gymnasium in 2022 during the Cape Town International Hockey Tournament where the opposite of the above happened! What I learned is that if you lose, but you gave it your all, you have nothing to be ashamed of.
How do you handle pressure during a hockey game
- Compared to the pressure I experience on the tennis court; I am as calm as a cucumber on the hockey field. I only experience exhilaration and joy!
As Hockey Captain, how do you motivate your team?
- I encourage my teammates to back themselves and to believe in our strategy. I compliment players instead of focussing on negative aspects.
What are your current top 5 priorities in life?
- To achieve my academic goals;
- To be accepted into Stellenbosch University or a College in America (sport scholarship)
- To get more sleep;
- To build long-lasting relationships;
- To find a balance between sport, academic and my social life.
Do you have any advice for beginners in hockey?
- Focus on the basics before you attempt to be fancy. It is very difficult to fix the basics at a later stage. Basics like bending down low, receiving the ball on your front stick, getting your feet around, etc.
Do you plan to continue hockey after school? At what level?
- Yes, I would love to play hockey for my university.
What’s your biggest single highlight (sport or otherwise) in the past five years?
- I was selected for the SA Schools under 18 tennis team to represent South Africa in England in 2022 and 2023. I was also selected for the Belgotex Hockey tour to Holland this year after participating in the Belgotex Easter Festival.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests besides hockey?
- Yes, tennis, my phone as well as baking.
Is there any coach or hockey player you look up to as a role model?
- My coach, Bianca van Reenen. She is so knowledgeable about the game and brings out the best in every single team member.
How would your coach and teammates describe you?
- They would describe me as passionate, loyal, soft hearted and ‘crazy’.
Which professional hockey player would you like to have coffee with?
- Lidewij Welten, professional Hockey player, Dutch national team – I would like her to give me some tips on how to score like a machine.
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