Set to take on the world
Wellingtonian Kate McCaw strikes a pose.
The 17-year-old Samuel Marsden Collegiate School head prefect is one of 16 young New Zealanders chosen to join more than 3,600 athletes from around the globe at the inaugural event.
McCaw, named as joint vice captain, says it’s an honour to be selected.
“It will be great working with the team. We will have a training camp in Auckland before we head over so we’ll have the opportunity to perfect our play before the tournament.
“It’s been a great experience working with [former Black Sticks player] Niniwa Roberts. She’s my inspiration, she has helped me improve my technique, and taught me how to stay cool under pressure,” says McCaw.
There’ll be a bit of pressure as New Zealand is drawn against Korea, South Africa, Ireland, Argentina and Netherlands.
“All the teams we face, except Ireland, are ranked ahead of us and I think the Argentineans and Dutch will be the strongest,” she says.
In the future McCaw reckons she will have to choose between her studies and playing professional hockey.
“I would love to play hockey full-time however for most of the New Zealand girls that means moving to the professional leagues in Germany and Holland. There are some scholarships available, but it’s a big undertaking. I can’t see myself doing in the next few years.
“I play hockey five times a week, so I spend about eight hours a week on the turf. Sometimes it’s difficult to get a balance but it is achievable. My classmates have been very supportive so that has helped.”
New Zealand’s first game is against Korea at the Sengkand hockey stadium in Singapore on August 16.
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