Destined to SOAR.
This interview series is aimed at celebrating, recognising and promoting the incredible talent and ferocious courage of our young women of tomorrow.
Let's recognise the magnificent effort of girls' in sport across all codes!
Today our interview is with Katherine Davey, Soar Active had the privilege to catch up with Katherine and chat about her love for Underwater Hockey.
1. Katherine, tell us about your early life?
Katherine: I am 14 yrs old and I live in Adelaide, I have a younger brother and sister. I play Underwater Hockey, Underwater Rugby and also do Surf Life Savings since I was 6 years old at Henley Beach. I have loved sports since I was a child and also I am a big fan of school. My favourite subject at school is Science, because it is so hands-on and there is so much to learn.
2. So how did you discover Underwater Hockey?
Katherine: Through friends in some of my classes, they knew I did Surf Life Savings and knew I was a good swimmer. I have started Underwater Hockey this last year and currently train six days a week. Monday nights I have competition games within our club, Tuesdays are my free day, Wednesday I head to the gym during lunch break during school and do a workout with one of my friends, then straight into swim training after school.
Swim training involves a whole bunch of skill training like above the water sprints, bottom of the water sprints and getting used to being underwater for long periods of time.
3. Can you tell me about Underwater Hockey?
Katherine: Sure in the Nationals team you have twelve on a team and then ten in the water, though you only have six playing. The game itself has two fifteen minute halves and the puck is placed in the middle. The aim of the game is to get the most goals.
Surprisingly the hockey stick is only thirty centimetres long and the puck can be hit up to five metres.
4. What was your next step?
Katherine: Nationals unfortunately were postponed, though I represented our club at a State Level in the U15 Level and sub-upped to an U19 Level. Both teams came 4th in the competition. My next step is the QLD Titles.
This is a new experience for me as I have learnt different styles of hockey with the team that I played with. The next Nationals for Underwater Hockey is in January 2023 and I will be trailing for this team.
If I make Nationals, it is in Western Australia in 2023 but my ultimate goal is Worlds in Turkey in 2024. 2023 will be a year of head down and focusing on getting myself prepared to represent the U19s team in 2024.
5. How do you balance your competitive training and managing school?
Katherine: I do a lot of my school work during school hours and on my bus trips to and from school. I also ensure that my homework is done before training. To me training is a reward for being on top of my schooling and getting my homework completed.
I have taken the time to set a routine for my week and I'll stick to the routine for a month, then re-evaluate it to see if any changes need to be made.
6. What do you do in your downtime?
Katherine: I love reading at the moment. I am reading All Young Dudes which is a new series and The Baby Sitters Club.
I also love catching up with my friends and spending time with them.
7. What makes you feel happy, brave, and strong?
Katherine: Knowing that I have the support of my friends, family and team. That they will be there for me no matter the situation.
8. Tell us about a special moment in the last year?
Katherine: It was definitely at the QLD Titles. I met the World's Coach for the first time. I was introduced to him and we had a great discussion on where I need to be to make Nationals and Worlds.
9. What is your ultimate goal?
Katherine: To play at as many Worlds as I can, though eventually I would love to Captain at a Worlds Team.
10. What's your favourite attribute about yourself?
Katherine: Nothing will stop me, I think I have incredible determination.
11. What would you say to other young females about following their dreams?
Katherine: Make sure that no one and nothing will stop you from doing what you love and enjoy with your life.
12. What has Underwater Hockey taught you about life?
Katherine: The importance of patience and resilience. There have been many ups and downs this last year, but I have spent a lot of time re-teaching myself the importance of patience and resilience.
Follow her journey on Facebook and you can support her Go Fund Me Campaign to get Katherine to Nationals in 2023
_______________________________________________________________
Know another inspiring young teen or want to be featured?
Email us at hq@soaractive.com with your story.
