South African hockey player reflects on her world tour in green and gold
From starting out at age six to competing at the Olympics, South African hockey star Hannah Pearce has traveled the world through the sport she loves.
Hannah Pearce, South African women’s hockey player, who also plays for the Wanderers Hockey Club’s first team, said that the sport has not only been a blessing in her life; it has taken her all over the world.
Pearce, who began playing the sport at the tender age of 6, explained: “My whole family plays. It is something I watched my parents play, so I grew up with it.”
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The 27-year-old only joined The Wanderers club this year, being overseas for the last couple of years. “I’ve enjoyed Wanderers. We have a great bunch of ladies, so it’s been fun to play. The hockey club has a good balance between hockey and social, which makes it fun, both on and off the field.”
She added that she’s been playing for the national hockey team since 2019.
“It’s been an incredible journey so far, with both its highs and lows. Since my debut in 2019, I played at the 2024 Olympics, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games. I am currently in the UK, preparing for the world cup happening now in August in Belgium and the Netherlands.”
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Pearce said it was the biggest honour to wear green and gold while representing the country, and looked forward to the next month and the rest of the journey.
The hockey player’s highlights and accolades include studying overseas in the United States at Harvard University, as well as completing her master’s degree at the University of Birmingham, while playing hockey.
“Some accolades that have been special to me outside of the national achievements, include my debut, the Olympics, World Cups, and the Commonwealth Games. I received the Radcliffe prize, which is Harvard’s Sportswomen of the Year in 2022, Northeast Region Player of the Year in 2022, and the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.”
Pearce added that she has been fortunate to have had great coaches and mentors in her career, but her biggest influence was her family.
“They have been an incredible support system throughout this whole journey and have been with me through every part.”
She added that success to her, beyond winning championships, was the friendships made, and all the lessons learnt that she took off the field.
She concluded by encouraging upcoming hockey players to work hard.
“Every effort counts, so make every opportunity you get matter. Most importantly, make sure you are enjoying the sport and are having fun.”
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