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 Kaitlyn Tomas

Kaitlyn's background and history in field hockey

For Kaitlyn, the sport of field hockey has been a significant part of her life for the past seven years while her involvement with Canada's National Indoor Field Hockey Team is one year in.   Playing in the position of goaltender, Kaitlyn was initially introduced to indoor field hockey through her local club.  Through her local field hockey club, Kaitlyn had the chance to get a feel for the game by playing in a number of tournaments. 

 

What do you love most about field hockey?

I love the challenge it gives me.  There's an unlimited amount of skills you can practice and it's so competitive.  I also love the adrenaline the sport gives me and the speed of the game is also incredible.

 

Tell us about your favourite sport memory.

My favourite memory would be my final high school game.  We played in the final and won the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) title for the sixth year in a row.  It was so rewarding to see all of our hard work pay off and keep our record going. 

 

 

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

Something I would tell my 10 year old self about playing and staying in sport is that it's okay not to settle on one sport.  In fact, don't limit yourself to just one sport.  Keep trying everything while you can and until you find what you really love.  Right now you don't realize it but you will learn that playing sports teaches you discipline, time management and it motivates you to always improve and strive to be your best self.  This will all help you in the end so keep going!

 

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?

A challenge I experienced due to COVID-19 was not being able to practice with anyone at the start of the pandemic. To manage this challenge, I did virtual training in my basement then my parents would do some drills with me in the backyard which involved them throwing or shooting balls at me. Once we were able to have small “bubbles” two of my teammates would come to my backyard and we would do small drills.

 

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?

There are a few ways a women's sport community like SWSCD could provide support to me, but one that I think would be most beneficial would be to foster a community of support, empowerment and growth for female athletes of different age range and skills.

 

 

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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