15-year-old Alexia van Zyl has one goal in mind – to one day represent her country on the global stage and to be the best hockey player there is.
Her dreams are fast on track to becoming her reality after the young athlete was selected to attend a hockey tour in the Netherlands this September.
Alexia (Grade 9) was one of four under 15 Ferrum High School learners selected for the ECHS Invitational Hockey Tour, which will take place from September 23 to October 2; an experience she plans grabbing with both hands.
Who is Alexia van Zyl?
Alexia was born on February 4, 2009. She grew up in Newcastle, where she attended Drakensberg Primary School before starting her high school journey at Ferrum High.
She has a younger brother, Jan’ko, whom she adores.
“I am very family-oriented and I love spending quality time with them (my family),”she said.
Alexia is an avid sports enthusiast with a strong passion for hockey in particular. However, she also shares a love for athletics with shot put, long jump, javelin, and discus being her favourites.
When she isn’t out on the sports field, Alexia keeps busy with arts and crafts or outdoors, where she enjoys being around animals or fishing with her family.
A passion for hockey
Alexia recalls that her love for hockey was ignited in Grade One, under the guidance of Drakensberg Primary School coaches, Mrs Truter and Mrs. Ferreira, who helped shape her into the player she is today.
As a primary school player, Alexia achieved numerous accolades, including being selected for the Drakensberg under 13 A team and the Amajuba District under 13 team.
As a high school player, Alexia has furthered her love of the sport while being guided by her current coach, Mrs. Strydom.
She has gone on to achieve more accolades, such as being selected for the Ferrum under 14 A team, the Amajuba District Under 14 Team, the under 14 KZN Inland team, the Ferrum Under 15 A-Team, the Amajuba District under 16 team (non-travelling), and now for the ECHS Invitational Hockey Tour.
“I really enjoy playing hockey as it’s a great balance between academics and fun. It’s my outlet and my happy place all at once, and it’s where I prosper most,’ she said with a smile. Alexia told the Advertiser she chose hockey as her sport of choice because she believed it was one of the more challenging codes as it is a very interactive sport.’ “It’s gruelling – especially during practice, and I can challenge myself to do better every time I am on that field,” she said.
Alexia’s ultimate dream is to be able to play in every position on the hockey field and thereafter to be able to play hockey at a professional level, where she hopes to represent her country on a global platform.
Her ultimate goal is to become a hockey coach, where she can share and help instil the love of the game in the youth.
When asked who her role model is in the hockey world, Alexia simply replied that it would have to be Ferrum High School’s under-18 first-team player, Annemie Rautenbach.
“Annemie is probably one of the best and most talented hockey players I have ever seen. She has gone out of her way to help me and guide me with tips, tricks, and valuable advice that have helped me become a better player, and for that I am extremely grateful,” she said.
Africa Sports ECHS invitational Hockey Tour selection
Alexia caught the attention of selectors through her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport while attending the ECH tournament hosted in Bethlehem in March. However, being selected for such a prestigious opportunity also comes at a steep price.
This is where you, the community, can help a young, enthusiastic, and motivated young lady achieve her dreams by helping to sponsor her trip.
The entire tournament will cost R49 400, of which R22 500 needs to be paid upfront by April 30 to secure Alexia’s spot in the team.
This includes: return international flights, accommodation, touring and playing kits, food and beverages, travel while abroad, games and training sessions, medical cover, and airport tax.
The payment schedule works as follows: the first instalment of R22 500 is due by April 30, the second instalment of R12 000 is due by June 15, and the final instalment of R14 900 is due by August 15.
All payments are made directly to Into Africa Sports using a unique reference number, especially for Alexia.
Should you wish to assist her, you can contact her mom, Jestine, on 072 599 8787 or her dad, Schalk, on 072 937 8642, who will then provide the necessary banking details and any other information required.
“I was elated and excited when I heard that I was selected for the ECHS Tournament. This is one more step closer to achieving my goals. I am truly excited for the opportunity to not only travel abroad but to meet and make new friends.”
Her motto in life is a simple one, but one she follows daily: “Practice like you’ve never won and play like you’ve never lost,” she concluded.
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