Hockey is the one thing that is guaranteed to get the Lourens siblings, Luke and Elne’s adrenaline pumping. For them, something is to be said about being on the ball with a stick in hand, trying to outsmart opponents.

There would be no better time to do so than this week during the USSA Tournament in Johannesburg. Luke already knows what it takes to win, as last year he played for the Tuks men’s team, which was crowned champions.

Elne will be making her debut for Tuks at a major tournament. If she is to be believed, it could be a scenario of who let the dogs out.

“I kind of have a ‘Jack Russell’ attitude when playing hockey. I want to be in the midst of the action all the time. I don’t like to lose, so I will put my body on the line for my team. My best quality is playing to make my teammates look good.”

Apart from being a big fan of how the Dutch women’s hockey team plays, Elne credits her brother as someone who influences how she thinks about the game.

“I have been a big supporter of my brother since I was young. When I am down and doubt my abilities, he asks whether I am a quitter or am going soft. You know how brothers can be. I admire his belief that nothing is impossible if you put in the hard work,” she elaborated on her brother’s influence

Elne played as a Tuks defender and in the midfield while still at school.

“Our coach, Inky (Zondi), had a long talk with me, explaining why he wanted me to play as a defender. I am sure he can see a future for me even if I can’t see it right now. For now, it is a big learning curve for me, taking me to the next level,” she remarked.

Luke has the distinction of having played for and against Tuks. In 2022, he was on the Wits team, facing off against the Tuks in the varsity final. Tuks won.

He also plays as a defender but has the art of drag flicking tuned down to fine art. Those who have seen him play describe his technique as that which would make Thor, the god of Thunder, proud.

According to Luke, being good as a drag-flicker requires hours and hours of practice.

“Everything is about timing and utter focus. I go into a bubble during a game, blocking out everything around me. It is like rugby when a flyhalf lines up to kick a vital penalty goal or conversion,” he commented.

As to role models, Luke said he is his own person on the Astroturf, but he is an avid student of the game.

“This means I continuously seek ways to improve my play,” he explained.

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