Three junior hockey players recently soared to dizzying heights on the national stage.
Ella du Preez, Megan Roberts, and Jordan Smithall – all 15 – travelled to Goulburn, New South Wales for last month’s Australian Indoor Hockey Festival.
Held throughout January, the tournament was divided into five categories – Under 13s, Under 15s, Under 18s, Under 21s, and Open.
Playing for Western Australia’s U18 Women’s side, Ella and Megan picked up silver medals.
Ella was named Player of the Tournament in the U15 Women’s competition.
In the U15 Men’s competition, Jordan and WA claimed bronze.
Ella and Jordan had played only a handful of indoor hockey matches prior to the tournament.
Jordan said the festival gave him a greater understanding of the sport.
“We had high expectations from our coach to get the gold,” Jordan said.
“It was hard to lose against Victoria in the semi-finals, but we brought it back and beat ACT to get bronze.
“It was an honour to represent the state in a national tournament.
“It was great playing at a high level against people who like the same things.”
Ella said she was proud to have represented two state teams in the one tournament.
“It was interesting to see the different dynamics of both teams,” she said.
“I enjoyed both, and both coaches taught me so much.
“It is a real privilege to put on the black and gold, it’s such an honour. There’s nothing else like it.
“I just want to keep playing and enjoying hockey.”
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