How rising Queensland and Easts hockey star Jade Smith fell into the sport

Queensland hockey has the father of Logan City rising star Jade Smith to thank for having one of the state’s most promising players in its ranks. Andrew Dawson reports

Queensland hockey has the father of Logan City rising star Jade Smith to thank for having one of the state’s most promising players in its ranks.

“My dad always said ‘my girls will never play netball,’’ joked Smith, who last week was crowned the Albert and Logan News Local Sports Star winner.

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So when her parents accidentally discovered hockey, Jade and her two older sisters were herded toward the sport, away from netball.

Never at the time did anyone know Smith would become an elite player.

A Division 1 player with the powerful Easts club, the past student of Moreton Bay College has been elevated into the Australian Futures Squad after helping the Queensland under 18s win the national title.

Every winner at the Qld Local Sports Stars Awards 2019

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After that under 18 state victory, the Greenbank resident was also elevated into the Queensland under 21 squad.

Smith said being named in the Australian Futures Squad was a career highlight, just ahead of captaining the 2018 Australian schoolgirls to South Africa.

“This was truly an honour,’’ she said in reference to the captaincy.

Steph Baker and Jade Smith posing at the Quest Local Sports Stars Award at the Queensland Cricketers Club. PHOTO: J&A Photography

Smith said she loved every aspect of the sport from making friends to allowing her competitive streak to come out.

“Hockey is both physically and mentally demanding,’’ Smith said.

“You have the opportunity to showcase both skill, fitness and speed.’’

Behind any decent sporting teenager was invariably a supportive family and Smith knows she would not enjoy the milestones she has reigned in with their help.

“I couldn’t have done this without. my family,’’ she said.

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“Dad, mum and my two older sisters have been integral to my hockey success.

“The hours of driving to training, the meals, the washing, the support and the “pick me ups” — I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I have the most supportive family.

“My dedication and work ethic towards my sport, is not even half of what my parents have dedicated towards helping me.’’