Learning, doing and supporting

As part of our focus on creating more awareness around Canada's National Women's Indoor Field Hockey team, SeeWhatSheCanDo asked each each player to share some details around their introduction to and history playing the sport; what they love about field hockey; what their favourite sport memory is; and what each player would say to their 10 year old self if they had the chance to go back in time.  

The significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our everyday lives for much of 2020 has been life-altering for so many.  For many elite athletes in particular, it has meant a complete shutdown to their ability to train and compete as a team or an individual athlete.  This is certainly the case for Canada's National Women's Indoor Field Hockey Team.  To get a better understanding of the pandemic's direct impact, we asked each athlete to share their thoughts around the challenges and frustrations they've experienced over the last nine months not being able to be together as a team. Knowing what they are facing, we also asked how a community platform like SeeWhatSheCanDo could support each of them and what that could look like.

Head to Getting to know Team Canada's Women's Indoor Field Hockey Team to get the background story on the team, the Indoor Pan American Cup and to find links to more player profiles.

 

Introducing Angela Lancaster

Angela's background and history in field hockey

Angela was originally introduced to the game in Grade 9 when her High School Team was desperate for players. What she thought would be a fun activity for her friends quickly became a lifelong passion. Angela is one of the many key veterans on the indoor team who brings thirteen years of experience playing defense at the national level. 

What do you love most about field hockey?

Indoor field hockey, in particular, is incredibly fast-paced. I love how quickly the momentum can change. I also love how team-oriented it is. The best plays are always made when everyone on the team gets a touch on the ball.

Tell us about your favourite sport memory.

When I think of my field hockey career, a ton of amazing memories come to mind. Although competing at the World Cup in Leipzig, Germany is a big one, I find the small club tournaments really stick out to me. Especially the times I went in to a tournament with a really young, inexperienced team and, somehow, we pulled off a heartbreak win. I’ve been fortunate to have a few of those experiences and they are always really special.

What would you say to your 10 year old self about playing and staying in sport?

I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey playing field hockey because it has helped me grow into the person and player I am today. I would tell myself to cherish every single second of it because before you know it, 10 years has gone by!!!

What challenges and frustrations have you faced over the last few months because of COVID-19? And what have you done to manage these challenges and frustrations?

Obviously, the biggest disappointment during Covid-19 was when the 2020 Pan American Indoor Tournament was cancelled just 2 weeks before the competition. This was absolutely devastating for our team since we had been training and preparing for this tournament for 3 years. It has also been incredibly frustrating not being able to practice as a team or train properly since March.

I decided to look at this situation from a different angle: we now have additional time to prepare and this will hopefully only make us stronger as a team. Personally, I have been dedicating this time to strengthen my body so I will be able to move more functionally and experience less pain and injuries once training resumes. The circumstances and lack of access to resources and facilities has forced me to find creative ways to stay conditioned which I think will translate into increased resilience physically and mentally.

Additionally, do you think there are ways that a women's sport community like SWSCD could provide support to you? And how would you envision this happening?

I am already grateful that SWSCD is giving us an opportunity to share our story. As a field hockey community, we have always struggled with popularity. We do have a great story to tell and it’s hard to find the words to describe our appreciation for the support and exposure.

Being involved in sports is such a privilege. It provides endless opportunities and an overall environment that nourishes constant growth. This includes improving technical abilities as well as interpersonal skills. The field hockey community in particular is incredibly special. It is very inclusive and supportive of everyone regardless of their race or cultural background. It is also a community that respects and even celebrates the abilities of women.

Thank you SWSCD for showing the world what we can do as athletes and as women.

Connect with Canada's Women's Indoor Field Hockey Team

Want to send some good vibes to the Canada's Women's Indoor Field Hockey team?  Here are their social media coordinates.  

Facebook: @canindoorwomen

Instagram: @fhc_indoorwomen

Twitter: @canindoorhockey

Hashtags: #MindtheSkirt 

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