The dreams and aspirations of a hockey player from Gelvandale in Gqeberha have come full circle as she dons green and gold for a second consecutive time.
As the build-up to the junior hockey world cup begins, 20-year-old Caylin Maree, gears to jog out along the team with the intention to put up a better performance than what they did in 2022 in Potchefstroom.
The Gqeberha local said she first picked up a hockey stick at the age of eight and never looked back.
Hard work and dedication have been integral themes in Maree's life. She received a scholarship to go to Woodridge College from Grade 8 and as a star hockey player, she was selected for the junior national under 16 side in Grade 9.
However, the road to success has not always been sunny for Maree.
"When I did not make the junior AFCON and the interprovincial teams for 2021, I was devastated and was at a very low point in my hockey career," said.
"I then came home to regroup and train. A coach said to me that they were happy that I didn't make the team so that I know how it feels not to be selected for a team."
She said she turned those words into motivation to work harder to ensure that she earned the green and gold.
"The rejection really brought me closer to God but also the support from my family and friends really kept me going."
Shortly after that disappointment, she played the Western Province B team which competed in the A section and things started looking up for her.
She then received the call-up to the SA under 21 side which participated in the Junior World Cup tournament which was held in Potchefstroom in North West in 2022 and ended in seventh place.
"It was a big moment for me as I was the youngest player in the team."
She says, being selected for a second consecutive time, was "truly an honour and privilege".
"This year will be a different ball game as I am not the youngest in the team anymore and have experience from the previous year."
The team will be travelling to the Republic of Chile, in South America, to take on other countries in this year's installment of the Junior Olympics from 29 November to 11 December.
"My goal for the team is to end the tournament in a better position."
She also shared that her personal goal is to just believe in herself more to ensure a top-notch performance.
