By Ms Melissa Peters
Marketing & Events Officer
Recently, our two of our student-athletes competed in Canberra at the National Indoor Hockey Championship. We interviewed them about their experience. Here's what Tamara, Year 10 and Gracie, Year 11 had to say:
How long have you been playing hockey and what do you enjoy most about it?
Tamara: I've been playing hockey my whole life. I started when I was 3 years old. Hockey has taken me to new places, and I've loved being able to travel. I've made new friends from all around Queensland, and then we get to meet up again at state and national championship events. I also love, after a game, when the other teams' coach shakes your hand and tells you that you've played well.
Gracie: I've been playing hockey for around 8 years. I would say that I most enjoy making new friendships with people from different states or clubs. I also love all of the support I get from my family and friends when I'm able to experience big accomplishments like going away for nationals. I know they're rallying for me from the sidelines or from home.
How does it feel to have been part of a team heading to nationals?
Tamara: It was an honour to be able to put my Queensland uniform on again. Gracie and I were on different team, and my team actually won our age category. It felt amazing to win Nationals. We played against New South Wales and came away with a 6-2 win! Before the first game I had a lot of nerves because it was my first time representing Queensland in a little while and there's a lot of pressure in being a state representative! Those nerves went away after a while, though and I was filled with excitement!
Gracie: This was my first time being selected to represent Queensland, so at first when I was packing everything, I was so excited and lost for words. When I arrived in Canberra and got to the venue for a training session before the competition, I began to feel really nervous. That subsided pretty quickly as I got along with everyone so well and became pretty close.
When you weren't competing, what did you do?
Tamara: A lot! I spent a lot of time cheering on Gracie and her team while they were competing, I also got to watch the Queensland Maroon Boys team in their grand final match. I got to do a little bit of sightseeing too, and visited Parliament House, the botanical gardens, Mount Ainslie lookout, the War Museum and the Australian Institute of Sport.
Gracie: I spent the first day sight-seeing, followed by an afternoon training session. I was able to visit Parliament House and so many museums. The first day of the tournament was spent watching games and cheering on the other Queensland teams. I would say the most eventful day of the tournament was Finals Day; we got to cheer on Tamara and the rest of the Queensland Maroons team, who were playing against New South Wales.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start playing hockey?
Tamara: I would encourage them to just get in there and have fun. I know it can be scary but everyone started somewhere.
Gracie: My advice would be to start by signing up for the school hockey team or even a club team and seeing how that goes. They could also ask someone they already know for more information.