The SPAR National Women’s Hockey team head off to Dublin in a few days time for a four-nation tournament (also including Ireland, Scotland and Germany), followed by a two-test series against the Ireland.
It’s the ideal start for their international season and the next few months will be crucial as they prepare for the 2008 Olympics.
The team will gather at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria on Monday, June 4, for a short training camp before leaving for Ireland on Saturday, June 9.
Prominent member of the SA hockey team, Western Province’s Kate Hector chatted to women24’s Robyn Silverstone about her sporting ambitions, the state of women’s hockey in South Africa, and her plans for life after hockey.
What are your inspirations and aspirations?
Playing for my country is still my inspiration. An aspiration certainly is to go to my second Olympic games in Beijing in 2008.
What is your opinion on the future of hockey in SA?
Whether or not we get sent to the Olympics will make or break the sport.
We are performing better when we compete against top nations, but we still need to be given a chance to show our potential.
We need more exposure and experience. Sponsors such as Spar are doing a fantastic job and hockey relies heavily on them.
What motivates you to keep playing?
I love the sport, especially team sports. Competing at a high level with good friends gives me that drive to keep giving my best
Wearing the green and gold?
It’s been a dream since I was a kid. It’s pure passion and my love for my country.
What do you do when you aren’t playing hockey?
I work part-time for Adidas as a Technical Rep for footwear and merchandising.
One of the main reasons for working part-time is to balance training, touring and working as I was neglected either work or hockey in my previous job.
Otherwise, you will find me on the beach surfing with my boyfriend, or travelling.
Who is your role model?
Roger Federer. His focus, ability to be the best and his pure professionalism on and off the courts.
Any short/long-term ambitions?
Beijing 2008 is definitely short-term. Long-term is having a family and taking up my passion for interior decorating and design.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Living in Camps Bay with 3 or 4 little surfer bums running around. Content with life, and what I have achieved.
How do you relax?
Either on the beach with a book, or in my flat with Grey’s Anatomy.
Any guilty pleasures?
A slice of lemon meringue pie and McDreamy or McSteamy.
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