PUSHING through the sweat, tears and broken bones, a Como teenager took her first step towards her Olympics dream by qualifying for the State hockey team.
Como Secondary College student Shanaye Cooper (14) said she cried tears of joy when selected as goalkeeper for Hockey WA U15 Girls Development ‘Black’ Team.
Shanaye said people might think goalkeepers do nothing but her 10 months of training and trials were anything but.
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READ NOW“Every few trials, I had to wake up at 4 – 4.30am,” she said.
“The sun wouldn’t even be out yet and I’ll be in the hockey field playing for hours.”
Shanaye said her journey started when she first picked up a hockey stick four years ago.
“I started playing on the field in Year 5 but didn’t start goalkeeping until Year 7,” she said.
“I instantly fell in love with the feeling of team spirit and representing my club in grand finals and club championships.”
The Hockey WA U15 Girls team will compete at the U15 Australian Championships in New South Wales on April 8 – 14.
Shanaye said she was grateful for the support given towards her expenses to compete at the championships, including from Como Hotel and Harmen Legal.
“It’s a different feeling when people you don’t know want to support you,” she said.
“If you donate, you’re helping me achieve my ultimate dream of going to the Olympics.”
To donate to Shanaye’s hockey journey, visit https://www.mycause.com.au/page/195412/help-shanaye-reach-her-dreams.