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 Emily Ziraldo

Emily's background and history in field hockey

Emily Ziraldo primary position is that of forward.  Emily's playing career in field hockey began nine years ago.  She has played on Canada's national women's indoor field hockey team for the past two years.  An opportunity to play the game in the winter through her club team was her intial introduction to playing field hockey indoors.

What do you love most about field hockey?

I love field hockey because all in one place it provides me the opportunity to work with amazing teammates and coaches, to be creative and to challenge myself.

Tell us about your favourite sport memory.

My favourite memories are of moments when everything seems to come together. For example, in a game when my teammates and I are all on the same page and we successfully do a play we have been practicing, or when I become comfortable using a new skill I have been working on for a long time. These moments are always highlights for me because they often come after a lot of hard work, when I don't expect them. 

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

I would tell my 10 year old self to try a variety of sports and not worry about focusing on only one. Also, to try not to overthink things! 

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?

My biggest challenge was dealing with the uncertainty of future competitions and the unknown timeline for returning to play. Once it became clear that all competition was cancelled for the foreseeable future, I spent more time doing outdoor activities like hiking and biking that I really enjoy but don't do as often during periods with a lot of training. I think this really helped me to reset and refocus.

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 think that being part of a women's support community like SWSCD can support me by giving our team a platform to show what/how we are doing. I also think it can be a great way to create a network of female athletes to support and inspire one another.

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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