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 Mackenzie Williams

Mackenzie's background and history in field hockey

Mackenzie Williams is a mid-fielder who's played field hockey for the past six years.  Mackenzie has also had the opportunity to play and be a part of Canada's national women's indoor field hockey squad for the last four years. Her initial introduction to indoor field hockey came as part of her off-season training efforts to keep her skills sharp for outdoor field hockey.  

What do you love most about field hockey?

I think the part I love the most about field hockey is that there is always a skill or aspect of the game to discover.

Tell us about your favourite sport memory.

I think my favourite memory would be playing for and winning with Team Ontario at the U18 Canadian National Field Hockey Championships in 2017.  It’s my favourite memory because it was the first time I had the chance to play field hockey at a very high level.  It was also the event that really sparked my love for the game and showed me my potential to play at the next level.

 

 

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

I would certainly tell my 10 year old self that sport will open your life up to new and exciting opportunities.

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?

During this time dealing with COVID-19 a lot of my training and access to training facilities has been affected. To combat this, I’ve had to use unconventional methods to stay fit and keep my skills up.  I've also focused on small skill training in the spaces that I could find around me like the deck in my backyard. It was easy to get frustrated by my situation.  But I think the key to pushing through was realizing that one day I’ll be able to play again and to use this time to develop my skill and get better at the little things. 

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?

SWSCD could provide mental help support. I think a lot of athletes are struggling during this time and not being able to play the sports they love. By providing support services and professionals to speak to about their struggles may prove to be helpful.

 

 

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 

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Find, rate and review associations, local community offerings and businesses that will help you do your thing on our Athlete Advisor, your athletic business directory.  

Post your upcoming sport event or start your own active group in our SWSCD Hub.

Look for advice, stories, news and more on our Discover blog. Share your own active moment directly on our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando on social media and inspire others to get moving.