Young Toowoomba player prepares for Australian duties

Young Toowoomba player prepares for South African tour with Australian side

HOCKEY: A chance encounter with a Hockeyroos star may have been the catalyst to Tatum Stewart's blossoming career.

In her "junior days” Stewart didn't enjoy hockey all that much - her dad would stay with her on the sidelines gently encouraging her to take part in games.

One day she received support from a different source, Australian representative and Toowoomba product Angie Lambert (nee Skirving).

"I didn't like hockey all that much when I first started,” Stewart said.

"Dad would always hold my hand on the sideline before I went out to play. One day was different though.

"Angie saw me there on the sideline very upset and she gently took my hand and helped me out on to the field.”

Things are different now though for the 15-year-old who plays at fullback.

Now Stewart is a regular Queensland representative and was recently selected in the Australian Under-16 Schoolgirls team which will tour South Africa next year.

"It changed a lot for me when I made my first Darling Downs side,” Stewart said.

"By then I was enjoying hockey a lot more and I knew it (making representative teams) was something I wanted a lot more of.”

The opportunity to constantly improve her game is what drives Stewart forward.

"It's a challenge adapting to playing with different people but it's enjoyable,” she said.

"It's good because everyone has different skills and a style of play so you can learn a lot as well.”

Wearing the green and gold for the first time, Stewart said she had set herself simple goals.

"I'm very, very keen. It's going to be a great experience,” she said.

"I don't know many of the girls in the team so I will have to adjust quickly but I'm looking forward to it.

"I think we will play a national team while we are there but all of the games will be a challenge.

"Personally I just want to play my best hockey and improve my game as much as possible.

Originally published as Young Toowoomba player prepares for Australian duties