Mackay’s Hockeyroo salutes support given to junior players

Hockeyroo Claire Colwill says the dedication of local coaches is helping drive the rising number of Mackay players starting to come through the Qld and even national ranks.

Claire Colwill tried to beat a NZ Black Sticks defender at Auckland in May 2022. Photo: Simon Watts.

Hockeyroo Claire Colwill believes local coaches have had a big say in the rise of Mackay players starting to break through at the state level.

Around 10 Mackay players were recently named in under-21 and under-18 Queensland squads for the 2023 season, including Jordan Bliss who is also a Jillaroo (national).

The Mackay-born Colwill points to the local coaching scene as a big factor in their rise.

“Mackay has exceptional junior players progressing and that is due to the dedication of unpaid coaches,” the defensive midfielder said.

Claire Colwill plays against New Zealand at the National Hockey Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, in May 2022. Photo: Simon Watts

“That depth will continue if the right coaching continues.”

She said the support of parents and other staff was also crucial to the development of these junior players who are now making state squads at age grade levels.

She has also been impressed by the rise of goal-keeper Jordan Bliss, whom she grew up with.

Claire Colwill playing against New Zealand at Auckland in May 2022. Photo: Simon Watts

Bliss was named in the national’s junior women’s squad (Jillaroos) to play Japan on the Gold Coast from February 11-16.

“She has really developed in the last 12 months,” Colwill said of Bliss.

Colwill also had some advice for local juniors.

“Remind yourself why you started playing and don’t drift from the dream,” she said .

“Be accountable to yourself.”

She explained accountability meant playing to a standard that every individual player would be happy with.

This motivation comes through in training, Colwill pointed out.

She explained her training routine as five run and three gym sessions in the pre-season which then becomes three gym, three cardiovascular and three playing sessions a week.

“It can be hard to motivate yourself sometimes but these tough times can build resilience,” Colwill explained.

Colwill is in training for the return of the FIH Pro League next month with a Test series against India in May in Adelaide and the Oceania Cup in August pencilled in.

She was a member of the Brisbane Blaze squad last year. Her international experiences in 2022 include the Commonwealth Games, women’s world cup and trans-Tasman series.