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 Krissy Wishart

Krissy's Background and History in field hockey

Krissy Wishart is veteran player of the game of field hockey with eighteen years of playing experience and five years of elite level play as a member of Team Canada.  She and Angela Lancaster are the oldest players on Team Canada at 33 years of age and both bring an immense amount of experience to the team.  Krissy was initially introduced to the game through a provincial sport program.  Her primary position on the field is that of mid-field. 

For Krissy, having the chance to play field hockey in high school started it all and her words show best how this was the case. 

"I was introduced to the sport in high school, field hockey and basketball were overlapping seasons and I had never made my middle school’s basketball team so I decided to try out for field hockey knowing absolutely nothing about the sport. I just knew I loved all sports and thought I’d have a better chance of making the field hockey team than the basketball team. Luckily, my ice hockey skills transferred over and I was a natural field hockey player. My high school coach was also a Field Hockey Ontario coach and he encouraged me to try out for the Under 16 provincial team the following summer which sparked the rest of my Field Hockey Career."

 

 

What do you love most about field hockey?

Specifically for indoor - I absolutely love the high pace speed of the game. I believe it  is more exciting for spectators as they are able to be closer to the action for the higher scoring version of the game. A field hockey player must be skilled, fit and smart to succeed. The field hockey community is close-knit and welcoming. I have been fortunate to travel many places in the world, meeting many different people through our common passion of field hockey. All over the world, the people involved in field hockey welcome each other with open arms. 

 

 

Tell us about your favourite sport memory.

My favourite moment in sport has always been representing my Country. Prior to an international game listening to the Canadian anthem is such a proud moment with the excitement at an all time high ready to give your all to succeed. More specifically, my favourite memory would be sharing a successful moment with my family. In 2014, I was playing in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland and I was fortunate to have my parents and my aunt and uncle in the stands. My family has provided me with endless support throughout my life and fully encouraged me to pursue my sporting career. I was not known as a goal-scorer in my (outdoor) international career, however, I scored a goal against India with them in the stands and felt an immense amount of happiness that they were able to be there cheering me on. 
 

 

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 never lose sight of the joy of the game. As I grew up and became more and more competitive in my sport I would sometimes let the stress of wanting to perform at my best hinder my ability to play at my best. Overthinking was detrimental to my game, learning how to trust my preparation and play without worry is the best recipe for my success. I would tell my 10 year old self that the preparation you put in before the game is the most important way to succeed. I find now that I am older and playing competitively more for fun with less stakes attached to the game I feel more like my 10 year old self again.

 

 

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?

These last few months have presented many challenges and frustrations. The tournament that we had been preparing for was cancelled two weeks before it was meant to begin. This brought on disappointment and frustration. As an older player, I have a full-time career outside of indoor field hockey, so I continued to work and attempted to maintain my fitness level. Luckily, I enjoy working out/running outside better than working out in a gym, so while closures were happening my main routine was not altered much. 

 

 

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?

Part of the challenges with the Indoor Women’s Team is that our athletes are scattered across the province. Some are in school, some have full-time careers and some have a complete focus on field hockey. I’m sure there are other competitive teams in the province that face a similar situation. Possibly connecting with other self-funded competitive teams to share costs of fitness training sessions or gym space could be beneficial. 

 

 

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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