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 Marcia LaPlante

Marcia's background and history in field hockey

Marcia has played field hockey for the last nine years.  Over the last two years, she has represented Team Canada on its Women's Indoor Field Hockey National Team. Marcia was introduced to playing indoors when she was asked to play at an indoor tournament at the University of New Brunswick three years ago.

 

What do you love most about field hockey?

I love how fast and competitive it is. As a goalkeeper, my favourite part is when you get to make a big save to keep your team in the game or when you execute a new skill for the first time!

 

 

Tell us about your favourite sport memory.

My favourite memory was when I first played for Canada against Ukraine during our tour to Belarus. It was amazing to get to play at that level, especially after working so hard to get selected for the tour in the first place. It was definitely a learning opportunity and helped me recognize how much harder I have to work if I was to play at that level again.

 

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 to keep having fun - never let sport feel like a job. No matter what level you are at, it’s still a game and is meant to be a lot of fun!

 

 

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 definitely presented challenges for everyone over the past few months. In terms of field hockey, this pandemic has made it really difficult to pursue playing opportunities at home and abroad. I think the most frustrating part of the past few months has been the inability to make plans for the year. For me, trying to find a team to play for this season was my biggest challenge. I was originally supposed to play in the premier league in Melbourne (Australia), but wasn’t able to make it due to the travel ban. After accepting that Australia was no longer an option, I committed to playing in Belgium, which also fell through as the team I was meant to play for dropped all their international players. After some persistant searching and emailing, I was fortunate enough to find a team in the English National League at the last minute. I was able to compete for about a month, but we are now in lockdown again and unable to play sports. Additionally, the indoor season in England has been cancelled.

I think the best way to manage challenges throughout this pandemic is to be adaptable and patient - unfortunately, we have no control over how governments handle the pandemic and whether or not they allow sports to continue. Everyone is struggling with this reality and all we can do is choose how we respond. There are still ways to develop as athletes without actually being on the pitch. Lockdown is a great opportunity to focus on fitness and mental wellbeing so that we are ready once we do get to play again. 

 

 

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 a female athlete can be very challenging and no one understands that as well as other female athletes. Women’s sports communities are very helpful in that they offer support by connecting female athletes with like-minded individuals and resources that might be helpful. They also provide opportunities to share ideas, stories, experiences, and advice which is great.

 

 

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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