[submitted for Island Sports Network. Un-edited.]
The Canadian National field hockey program is starting to see a big movement towards the podium. That may not come in the 2012 Olympics but it is certainly starting to look good for the future. That future is including three island field hockey stars: Maddie Secco (Victoria, BC), Kathleen Leahy (Victoria, BC) and Sarah Keglowitsch (Duncan, BC). Both Maddie and Sarah are coming off a great year where they captured a big win at the U16 National Championships in 2010 to win the right to represent Canada in Uruguay at the 2010 Junior Pan American Games. This was an opportunity of a lifetime to qualify for the Youth Olympic Games that were held in Singapore in August, 2010. Unfortunately, the girls came up short but were only defeated by the Champions, Argentina, and came home with a silver medal. Canadian field hockey fans were proud and ecstatic to see the potential of the field hockey youth.
More recently, the Junior National team program has started to come alive and appear more organized, with a clear long-term plan and goals. This year, Maddie, Sarah and Kathleen have all been selected to represent a British Columbia heavy Canadian roster on their first tour to San Diego, California from March 13-20, 2011. The USA youth program has been implementing some great strategies for their long-term success so it is a great way for the Canadians to get some rivalry competition as well as stay on par with long-term development of athletes. The girls will compete against the USA Juniors in four matches on March 15, 16, 18 and 19th.
All three athletes exemplify what it takes to crack the Senior National team line-up very soon. Maddie, an Oak Bay High field hockey, cross-country, basketball and soccer star, has been in the field hockey world for quite some time now. Since her first provincial team experience, Maddie has grown as an athlete, a person and a leader. Her technical skills of elimination and accuracy in passing surpass those at her age and her work ethic and fitness are definitely attributes that have helped get her where she is today.
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| Maddie Secco in action at a Seniro camp in Nov. 2010 |
Kathleen Leahy, an Oak Bay High School graduate of 2011, plans to attend the University of Victoria and compete in the powder blue for the Vikes. Like her fellow Oak Bay High team mate Maddie, Kathleen has been involved in a number of sports and the field hockey community is very greatful to have her prioritize hockey in her life. Kathleen possesses a remarkable amount of talent, strength and fitness and showcases herself as a consistent, focused and composed athlete on the field. Not only will Kathleen bring her team great defensive skills but she also has the ability to infect others with her work ethic. Her positive energy is contagious and she is definitely one to look out for.
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| Oak Bay high grad, Kathleen Leahy, in action vs. Mount Doug |
Joining Kathleen on the Vikes roster in 2011 will be up-island's Sarah Keglowitsch. Sarah has been involved in field hockey for quite some time and has been involved in a number of regional and provincial field hockey teams. Her dedication to training and eagerness to learn new skills can definitely be said to play a big part in her success today. Sarah has a remarkable ability to get the last touch on the ball to score some remarkable top-quality goals. It won't be long before you see this star athlete scoring goals for the Senior team on the world stage.
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| Sarah Keglowitsch scores for Canada at the 2010 Jr Pan Ams |
We wish all the girls the best of luck in San Diego. For more information please visit: www.fieldhockey.ca
In addition, the Junior National team is very much self-funded and would benefit from any support, financial or otherwise. Each of the girls must raise a certain amount of money for the trip. To see the individual girls' websites for fundraising please visit: http://goo.gl/5HPPK
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