IT’S going to be a whole new experience for Sue Wakefield when she takes a big step up in her hockey career next year.
The 55-year-old from Koowinda Hockey Club will trade the blue, purple and white for green and gold when she represents Australia.
Wakefield is part of the national women’s masters 55+ squad competing in the Trans-Tasman Challenge against New Zealand, with matches to be played on Australia’s east coast next April and May.
The Sunraysia star said selection has reinforced her belief in her own ability.
“I’m fairly self-critical, so being selected for the team just reinforces what you do out on the pitch,” she said.
“As a 55-year-old, I probably don’t run like a 55-year-old, but I’m still faster than most people out there, so I stand out. That’s my game. I chase players down so they turn the ball over and send it in to attack.
“To be able to wear green and gold and represent the country will be a big achievement for me.
“It’s just going to be a whole new experience for me so I am kind of learning as I’m going.
“I will be pretty nervous stepping out there at the start of the game. It will just be a step up, it really makes you think about how you play and what you do.”
Wakefield said she is still amazed by the quality of hockey on display from those competing at masters level.
She said it’s also a great indicator you don’t have to give up the sport you love as you get older.
“It’s amazing how women at that age can still play, it’s mind-blowing to watch the games,” she said.
“The pace they move around the pitch is still there; they are hitting it just as hard. Their bodies have slowed down, so they slow the game down.
“Playing hockey doesn’t have to stop when you get older. Playing hockey can still continue you don’t have to stop once you get married and have kids.
“I’ve been playing since I was 12 and I virtually haven’t missed a season since I started playing.
“When I had my youngest child, I would play in the finals three weeks after she was born. Even when I was pregnant, I was umpiring.”
Wakefield said she has only been playing at this level for the past three years.
“Up until that point, I’ve concentrated on my family, but I’ve reached a stage where I have to do this now, or it may not happen,” she said.
“I tend to keep things quiet and kept the selection to myself, but when it was posted on Facebook, everyone else learnt about it.”
