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 Rachel Spouge

Rachel's background and history in field hockey

For Rachel Spouge, her first introduction to the game of field hockey came through some family friends.  Rachel plays both indoor and outdoor field hockey.  When playing indoor, she primarily plays the position of centre or forward.  When playing field hockey outside, her primary position is centre.

 

What do you love most about field hockey?

The fast pace, competitive environment and the community that surrounds the sport are what draws Rachel to play field hockey.

 

Tell us about your favourite sport memory.

Rachel's favourite field hockey memory happened while playing for the University of Toronto's field hockey team and they won the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Field Hockey Championship.  When it comes to her favourite memories associated with playing indoor field hockey, any time the indoor team gets to play internationally brings with it an amazing opportunity to meet new people and learn new strategies for playing the indoor game.

 

 

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

I would definitely tell my 10 year old self to never quit and keep working hard. Having the chance to be a part of a team for a number of years as well as just playing a competitive sport for so long has taught me so many lessons about teamwork and perseverance.  Lessons that are not only beneficial to playing field hockey but certainly very applicable to day-to-day life.  I wouldn’t be the person I am today without field hockey.

 

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?

Because of COVID-19, I have had to stay in my home town (Vancouver).  This means I have not been able to practice with the team in Toronto. I miss playing field hockey a lot especially because I am not able to play and hang out with my teammates. But, I have been working on my individual fitness and practicing skills when I can. I think the best thing that has allowed me to overcome any challenges during this time has been my family and friend bubble. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by great people so that has made this time a lot better.

 

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?

Absolutely. I want SWSCD to expand awareness for the field hockey sport and help inspire young girls to continue to play field hockey. I know how much field hockey has changed my life and I would love to be part of a community like SWSCD that helps encourage girls in sport. Also, SWSCD is a great platform for connecting women sport communities. I would love to connect to other Canadian women national teams in different sports so we can continue to build this community and encourage and support one another. Viewership for women sports is becoming more recognized but I would love to be part of a community that encourages this further so women sports can make a name for themselves.

 

 

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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