Donna Small is making it big

IT seems Donna Small (20) may have been born with a hockey stick in her hand.

The sport has come to her naturally all her life, and she has recently been selected for the South African U21 squad.

“I am really excited about the whole thing. They haven’t given us any information as yet – it’s a squad of 29 which I presume will train and a team will be selected for either the Junior World Cup or other tournaments, but I’m not completely sure about what comes next,” she said.

Donna comes from good stock; her parents Greg and Karen are both accomplished and enthusiastic hockey players.

She currently plays for Varsity College, where she is studying Corporate Communication, in Durban North.

She has represented KwaZulu-Natal her entire career, captaining the teams in various years.

Donna was also selected for the U16 SA squad in 2011 and the U18 SA squad in 2012.

She captained the KZN U21 team this year. One day she would like to make the senior women’s team – and sing the national anthem.

Other than that, her goals aren’t overly specific. “My focus is just on playing good hockey, learning new techniques and staying fit,” she said.

However, she certainly does want to represent her country at the highest level one day, in the not too distant future.

“I back myself and my ability. If I didn’t I may as well hang up my hockey stick. I wouldn’t put myself above any other hockey player because every player has something that is unique to their game which gives them that edge. I will never let myself believe that I’m good enough, because when that happens, I’ll stop working hard, I’ll start expecting things instead of working for them,” she said.

That humility even comes through in the role she plays on the field.

“I usually play in a dropped centre-forward role, allowing me to create goals and distribute. I consider my playing style fast and I like to create goals not necessarily score them,” she explained.

The former Creston College pupil said that her various coaches during the years had influenced her positively regarding her hockey.

“My parents have also influenced me as they both played and still play hockey. The best advice I have ever received is from my dad who encourages me to ‘just enjoy it’,” she said.

“I don’t practise and train for something I hate. I do it for a passion, something I love, so when I play a game, I focus, but laugh off my mistakes and get it right the next time. There’s no point in beating yourself up,” she added.

“If you don’t go after what you want you will never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no, and if you don’t step forward you will always be in the same place. It always seems impossible until it’s done,” she concluded.

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