AS the Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup in Chile draws closer, one Durban North resident, is ready to take the opportunity to represent her country with both arms. Donna Small (21) will be representing the women’s team at the 16-team competition which begins on 23 November at Hockey Club Manquehue in Santiago. This is the first time the Varsity College Durban North student will don the green and gold.

South Africa has been drawn with England, Australia and hosts Chile, a line-up that would daunt most hockey players, but not Small.

“It’s a tough group but I think as a team we are ready for all the challenges that lay ahead of us. It’s not the worst pool, some of the other teams have much tougher groups. We just have to take it a game at a time. I don’t know what to expect but I just want to soak up the atmosphere and learn as much as I can.

“I’ve made the South African U16 and U17 teams but I’ve never had my first cap so I’m extremely excited to get on the pitch and give my all for the team. There’s a good spirit within the team. We’ve had a few training sessions together and we’ve gelled really well. It’s nice because I know a few of the other girls on the team which is great,” she said.

Jody Taylor, regional sports coordinator at Varsity College said he is extremely proud of Donna.

“Donna is one of our most hard working players and it’s great to see her hard work pay off. She’s really grown in her role in the college’s hockey team and it’s a proud moment to see four students selected for the World Cup men’s and women’s teams. I’m looking forward to the competition and I have no doubt Donna will shine on the world stage,” he said.