Shelley Russell loves team sports, and admits its one of the reasons she is so passionate about hockey, and why she excels at it.
Her dynamic style of play has caught the eye of national coach, Jenny King, who recently told gsport from the Africa Games in Kenya: “I think Shelley Russell is by far one of our most improved players.”
The beauty about Shelley’s attitude is that she knows she has a long way to go to get to the top in hockey, but she is prepared to work hard, and keep her eye on her goals.
Her immediate goal is to make sure she makes the South African Olympic squad. On current form, she must be a sure bet, but she is not taking anything for granted.
This second year Sports Science student comes from a sports-mad family, and is the sister of popular South African rugby player, Brent Russell, who she says is one of her favourite sports stars, along with her other brother, Andrew, who is also a rising rugby star.
But she says there is no pressure to live up to anyone’s expectations except her own.
Shelley is also positive about the growth of women’s hockey in South Africa and hopes to one day reach her full potential as a hockey player.
Introducing our August gSTAR, national hockey star, Shelley Russell!
How old are you?
20
Where do you live?
I’m originally from Joburg, but I am studying in Stellenbosch.
Tell us more about your studies:
I am studying Sports Science, in my second year. Ooh, I love it. I find it’s a lot of sport, and I have to catch up a lot of practicals, is a bit tiring, but it’s the right course.
Congratulations on qualifying for the Olympics, how does it feel?
Amazing! I don’t think, besides the India series, I’ve been in the team, where we’ve won the tournament – that was awesome!
What was the key to the team’s success at the Africa Qualifying Tournament in Kenya?
We had no idea what to expect, going to Kenya. But, over the last few years, hockey has become as professional as it can be; obviously we don’t have the funding. You can just see it; we are far above other African countries. It’s because of all the work South Africa has put in to hockey.
What is the team’s goal for the Olympics?
Firstly, our team’s goal is to win the next tournament so that we can guarantee going to the Olympics. The tournament is taking place in Beijing from 6 August, and we’re playing Australia, Argentina, and China – so it’s all the big teams. We leave this Thursday. Its going to be quite hard coming from playing African countries. I’m very excited.
What do you enjoy most about hockey?
The team, the fact that it is a team sport. I absolutely love the whole team side of it, on the field and off the field. I’m sure it’s true that the hockey girls have more fun… laughs!
When did you start playing hockey?
I started playing in standard one at Auckland Park, my school. They were quite big on their hockey.
What have been some of your hockey achievements?
Obviously, me making SA under-16s for the first time – that was the start of it all. Then, the Women’s (national team selection), it came so much sooner than I had ever imagined. I’ve always aspired to being in the Women’s side, it came so much sooner. Going to World Cup was amazing! My next goal is just the Olympics – I’m desperate to make the Olympic side.
Which is the best country you’ve toured?
Probably Spain! The architecture and it was just buzzing. It was awesome to see that. I did quite a lot of shopping. I also enjoyed Ireland, it’s beautiful.
How often do you train?
We’ve been on tour after tour. We literally went off the Ireland tour, straight to pre-SASSU, straight to SASSU, and now to this tour. So, we really haven’t stopped. We’re basically training everyday, sometimes twice a day.
What is your usual fitness routine?
We follow quite a strict program. Being in Stellenbosch, our trainer, Karen Hugo is there, so she gets to monitor us a lot. We have a lot of compulsory fitness sessions. We’re always in the gym, and so fitness takes up a lot of the day.
How do you feel about the state of women’s hockey in South Africa?
I think it’s just getting better and better. I’ve only been in the side now a year and a half, and already, from when I first made it, to where it is now, its already just gotten so much better. I’ve only got high hopes for it, and hopefully we can get the necessary funding and equipment, to carry on and keep it rising.
What advice do you have for budding hockey players?
I would say just work hard, and never give up. Don’t ever accept less. Mine came totally unexpectedly, meanwhile I should have been aspiring to it, at that age. But, I’ve loved every moment of it!
What inspires you?
When I watch other teams, – when I watch Australia play – and I see some players like Nikki Hudson, when she runs. There is nothing more inspirational than seeing an amazing hockey player and knowing that I am nowhere compared to those players.
It’s good to know I still have so much to work towards, it’s not the end. It inspires me to see how well they’ve done and I want to become really good.
Who is your favourite sports star?
I’d have to say my brother, Brent Russell (Springbok rugby player). I suppose I’d get into trouble if I don’t say him, hey…laugh! In fact, both my brothers; I won’t put it past my second brother, Andrew. I believe he is an upcoming star. He is also playing rugby; he plays for the Maties first side. He is an unbelievable player!
Do you feel pressure coming from such a sports-mad family?
I don’t feel the pressure because of my other siblings, cause they’re both boys and they play different sports. My parents never put pressure on me, but obviously it’s the pressure I put on myself.
So, are the Springboks going to win the IRB Rugby World Cup in France?
Yes, I think so. I’d like us to meet Aussies in the final, and I’d like to beat them!
How do you relax?
I love going out with my friends, watching movies, and just relaxing with them.
gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would you define femininity?
Femininity is having the freedom to wear pink and being able to put on a beautiful dress and feel really great!
Our theme for August is SUPPORT. Who has supported you the most in your career?
My parents; they’re at every single match that they can possibly go to. They came over to World Cup to watch. Whether it’s me playing international or me playing a school match, they were always there. Now, even when I’m away, they even watch my old teams that I used to play for. They are so sweet!
Who are your role models?
My parents are my role models. Also, Nelson Mandela, I love him, he’s a hero!
What do you love most about South Africa?
I love the friendly people, biltong, rooibos tea; all the good things. South Africa is an amazing country!
What is your greatest ambition?
I want to become successful in my job, as well. I want to get a nice job, and I want to be able to balance my life, both hockey and everything else. I don’t just want to be that hockey player who can’t find a job… (laughs)!
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