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 Katie Lynes

Katie's Background and History in field hockey

Katie has played field hockey for the past seven years.  She was initially introduced to the game of field hockey in grade nine when Katie tried out for her high school team.  Katie then headed to the University of Toronto after high school and, while there, had the chance to play for U of T's women's field hockey team.  In terms of representing Canada in field hockey,  Katie spent four years on Canadian Junior Team.  This is Katie's first year playing with Indoor Field Hockey Canada, 

 

 

What do you love most about field hockey?

I love that there is always something new to learn about the game.  The people I get to play with are really nice too.

 

Tell us about your favourite sport memory.

I would say my favourite sport memory was our Tour to Ireland while playing with the  Canadian Junior Field Hockey.  It was an amazing team and the atmosphere around the event was awesome.   What made it an even more memorable was that our team played really well.

 

 

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 your participation in sports will take you far in life. You will receive amazing opportunities, make friends for life, and learn a lot about yourself.

 

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?

COVID-19 has made it really hard to train. It is sadly not possible to prepare how we would like to (ie; scrimmage, games etc..) because of health and safety restrictions. It is also, personally, harder to find motivation when you are not surrounded by your teammates and so much is so different than what you've grown comfortable with. I was lucky enough that my university team was able to practice outdoors this fall and I could continue training with drills that allowed us to stay socially distanced. Besides that I think staying connected with others, staying busy, and staying accountable for the things that you can control is the best way to cope with these challenges. 

 

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 in North America field hockey, and especially indoor field hockey, is not very well known. A community like SWSCD gives us a platform where we can raise awareness for the sport. It's also a place you can go to for motivation as you can see stories that other like-minded people have shared.

 

 

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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