Hockey Captains. In our series on sport captains, Schools That Rock talks to Teneal Grace. Teneal is the captain of Curro Salt Rock girls’ 1st hockey team. She scores today our thirteenth goal in this hockey captains series for high schools in South Africa.
“I started playing hockey when I was 6 years old. Hockey is my safe space. I feel free when I play hockey. It’s almost like nothing else matters around me.
My favourite professional hockey player is Jessica Lardant. I met her when I was in grade 8. She has such a passion for what she does. Jessica also shows true sportsmanship and what the love of hockey is all about. She manages to pass it on to those players around her or those who look up to her. She shows that you can be serious on the field but also have so much fun too.
The position I currently play is left back. It’s a position that I feel comfortable with, and I feel that I execute it properly. I’ve always been a defender. Defense is what I’ve known for the past 12 years.
The first time I was appointed as hockey captain, was in grade 11. I was appointed captain for the indoor team and vice for outdoor. I’m currently captain for outdoor first team in my matric year.
We have training every Monday and Wednesday. Sometimes we train on a Friday too. Mostly during the holidays we have some scheduled practices. I do try to keep up with my fitness off the field too.
Most stressful game
My most stressful game was when we recently went to Curro Cup and played the playoffs for third/fourth place. We wanted that win so badly to prove to ourselves and those around us that we are an excellent hockey team. It was the most stressful one so far. My most exciting game was during the Curro Cup, we played against St Dominic’s. It was the most incredible experience with my team and when we won, that feeling of joy would not go away.
My worst hockey performance was during a game I was so stressed about that I panicked all the time. I wasn’t passing correctly and was executing the formation correctly.
Yes, I do watch hockey on TV. I have also watched the South African teams in person a few times. It shows you how passionate these players are for the game, and you strive to be like them.
My short term goal is that I would like to go study and pursue hockey there by playing for a university team.
Rank your current top five priorities in life. Study hard, work hard on forming good friendships, succeed in school, get into a really good university and leave schools with academic colours.
For managing my hockey responsibilities and other recreational and non-recreational (academic) activities, I have to work on time management. It is important to focus on all the things that make you happy. I try to make time for everything.
Would you like to play professional hockey? As much as I love the game, I’m not going to pursue it to a professional level.
Other interests
My other interests outside of hockey is reading and netball. I also enjoy singing.
Strengths I believe I have that make me a great hockey player? I’m a great teammate and I have good sportsmanship. I’m a good leader to listen to as I listen to my team too. I do not just listen to my own thoughts and opinions.
The way I motivate my team as captain? I love to use scripture and prayer before a game. Then discuss all the things we can and cannot control. I try to implement that if you respect yourself and your teammates, they will have that exact same respect for you. We always play for the Lord first before we play for ourselves.
Yes, I have learned about teamwork from my past experiences on teams, as well as captain. Everyone works differently and you need to manage that difference between the team. You cannot only focus on the people that make it easy for you. You need to accept challenges.
We like to come up with game plans together as a team, to make it as fun and strong as possible.
The best advice I have received from my coaches is that you can’t control the things that are uncontrollable. You can’t choose how the game is going to go or how it should go. You have to take it as it comes.
Motivation
We as a team love to encourage each other. Motivation is a big thing in our team. We love to help each other.
My advice for new hockey players? It is different and difficult in the beginning, but it is so much fun. As soon as you get the hang of it, it’s the most fun sport.
My coach and fellow teammates describe me as someone that is easy to talk to. I listen to everyone’s opinion too, not just my own. I like to make practice as fun as I can while switching on too.
My role model is Mr Jacobs, my old coach. He has helped me grow so much and made me grow into my full potential. He encouraged me and told me that I am worthy and I can do all things if I believed in myself.
I believe the greatest challenge faced by today’s sport participants, is that there is a lot of competition and it becomes very difficult and competitive.
My single greatest highlight the past five years was just experiencing my high school hockey experience with my team. We have all seen each other grow and it’s been the best experience for me so far.
The professional Hockey player I would like to have coffee with is Cindy Hack. She is an excellent hockey player and has a real passion for it. I want to know her back story.
What excites me most in life is the need to succeed. So, working hard for it is exciting because you never know what greatness may appear.
Describe yourself in one word. Real.“
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