Hockey Captain. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to Hannah Viljoen. Hannah is the Hockey Captain of Curro Hillcrest High School, Durban, 1st girls hockey team. She today scores the sixth goal in our series this year on Hockey Captains from high schools in South Africa and Namibia.
Hannah, at what age did you start playing hockey?
- I started playing hockey at the age of six. I was in Grade 1.
Why do you like hockey? What made you decide to play hockey?
- The fact that it was a team sport, learning to work with others and finding the role and value that each player brings to a hockey team is something unique. Later on, choosing between hockey and netball, was incredibly difficult. It was the people and the hockey community that confirmed my decision for hockey.
Who is your favourite professional hockey player? Why?
- Yibbi Jansen. She is a Dutch professional field hockey player. Throughout her hockey career she made decisions that were best suited to her and unlocking her full potential. She isn’t afraid of pushing herself outside her comfort zone with her strong, determined and champion mind set.
What position are you currently playing? What position/s have you played?
- I am currently playing Free Center Half. I have pretty much played most positions throughout primary and high school.
When were you first elected Hockey Captain?
- I was first elected Hockey Captain when I was in Grade 11.
What, in your opinion as Hockey Captain, is the greatest task of the captain – on the field and during training?
- Ensuring that the team is unified and that each player feels valued and confident in their role to play as part of the team. Keeping a cool head, being constant and the player that holds your team together. Also leading through the effort put in during practice and game time. Having a never say die attitude and always looking for ways to better your mental and physical game in order to be able to offer more to your team.
Tell us what prowess/qualities do you think a good hockey player should possess?
- Determination, to me this is a ‘never say die attitude’ and giving 100% in every moment especially when things are not going your way on the field. Discipline, able to keep a cool head when the uncontrollable are not working in your favour and ‘the wheels are falling off the bus’ within your team.
What inspires you every time you step onto the hockey field for a game?
- My ‘why’, remembering the reason I started playing hockey and what a privilege it is to be able to do what I love. After being told I would never be able to play sport again due to a medical condition in September of 2019, I now play sport for a much greater reason, being a living example of the miracle working God I serve.
In your career as Hockey Captain 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?
- A game we played last year. I leant that you need to speak positively and when you make a mistake on the field not beat yourself up. That leads into a downward spiral. Rather find a phrase, a word that helps you focus on the next pass, tackle or shot and helps you believe in yourself and the role you play in the team. Your mental game plays a great role both on and off the hockey field and in unlocking your full potential.
How do you handle pressure during a hockey game?
- By focusing on what I need to do in the next moment, where I need to be in that moment playing minute by minute, focusing on one task at a time and positive self-talk to keep my head in the game.
As Hockey Captain, how do you motivate your team?
- Little words of encouragement on the field, reminding the team that we’re one team and we are here to support each other. Communication and remembering how hard we have worked to get to where we are and checking in and encouraging players at random times. This year we have an adaptation of a key scripture that we use as a reminder, an encouragement going into every game and moment of the season. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against anyone and anything in the field.”
What are your current top 5 priorities in life?
- 1. God
- 2. Health
- 3. Family
- 4. Personal growth
- 5. Purpose
Do you have any advice for beginners in hockey?
- Find your ‘why’ for playing hockey, the reason your first started to love the sport. When you reach a tough point later on in your hockey career you can remember the reason you started and why the sport means so much to you and use this as motivation to continue.
Do you plan to continue hockey after school? At what level?
- Yes, I want to continue playing club hockey at a competitive level after school and from there work hard and see what further doors open in growing my hockey career.
What’s your biggest single highlight (sport or otherwise) in the last five years?
- Competing in South African XC championships in 2022, with the privilege of seeing some of my hero’s compete on in the same course as I had run.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests besides hockey?
- I love being outdoors. I’ve played many sports throughout school and still do love running as my other sport.
Hannah, how would your coach and teammates describe you?
- A passionate hockey ambassador with ‘a never say die attitude’ and will defend my team at all costs.
Is there any coach or hockey player you look up to as a role model?
- I have had the privilege of having some phenomenal coaches over the years. Two coaches that have stood out for there passion for the game and belief they instil into their teams have been Marcelle Keet who coached me in DPL last year and Mr Bishop our current 1st team girls coach.
Which professional hockey player would you like to have coffee with?
Yibbi Jansen
More school news: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za
Photo supplied