AWSUM spoke with Chloe Shires, Union High School’s first team hockey captain about Interschools.

What is the highlight of your team’s hockey season this year?

 The highlight of our team’s season so far, is our constant improvement throughout and our ability to adapt to each new challenge no matter the circumstances.

How do you motivate your team?

I try to always bring a positive attitude to practices and ensure that everyone enjoys themselves on and off the turf as a unit. I try to keep a level head and to keep morale high, even when facing tough opposition.

Who are your vice-captains and how do they support you?

My vice captains are Brigette Oelofsen and Barbara McNaughton. They help Mr Beck and I to enforce the rules amongst the team members and help to ensure that everyone plays to the best of their ability. They support me throughout everything and in tough situations they help maintain the confidence and positive attitude within the team.

Are you happy with your team’s line-up for Interschools? Do you have any injuries in your team?

I am extremely happy with our team’s line-up for Interschools, however, we have been struggling with a few injuries throughout the year, which can mostly be attributed to the lack of sport played since 2020. The girls are definitely recovering quickly though and will be ready for Interschools.

What do you as a team want to achieve this year? What will make you proud?

One of our main aims this year, was to grow as a team which I am pleased to say we have achieved throughout the year. It is amazing to see the growth of each individual within the team and how much we’ve progressed as a team since the beginning of the year. My team always makes me proud and, of course, winning Interschools would definitely be our main goal as it is every year. Just being part of this special team and playing our best hockey on the Saturday of Interschools – as I know we will – is what will make me proudest. We have been incredibly blessed to have gained Mr Calvin Beck as our coach this year as he has developed this team into something incredible.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans for the future are not completely set as yet, but I am hoping to study in Stellenbosch and continue with hockey at Varsity level.