Hockeyroo and Scorchers goalkeeper Audrey Smith
Selecting the right goalkeeping pads, kickers and gloves is not an easy process for a novice keeper or club equipment officers. Go Hockey News asked newly capped Hockeyroo goalkeeper (no. 32), Audrey Smith what she looks for when selecting pads, kickers and gloves . We also asked her what she does to care for her goalie gear.
Audrey is hoping 2014 will be another ‘bonza’ year that lives up to her successes of 2013. In 2013 the hard work over her early years paid off. Her achievements were;
NOV – DEBUT FOR HOCKEYROO’S IN ARGENTIA TEST MATCHES
NOV – HOCKEYROOS SUPER SERIES 9’S – GOLD MEDAL
OCT– SCORCHERS – QLD AUSTRALIAN HOCKEY LEAGUE – GOLD MEDAL
JULY – JILLAROO’S JUNIOR WORLD CUP – 6TH PLACE
APRIL – QLD U21 – GOLD MEDAL
JANUARY – AUSTRALIAN YOUTH OLYMPICS – JANUARY 1ST PLACE
From a Jillaroo to a Hockeyroo within the same year and four gold medals to her credit was a mighty effort. With age on her side and passion in her heart we will see more to come of the ‘modest’ Audrey in ‘green and gold’. Your will find more about Audrey’s hockey career to date below
Go Hockey News question to Audrey: “What do you look for when you are selecting goalie pads kickers and gloves”?
I look for a sturdy glove, something that is solid and has a thick pad, but is also light to allow me to make those quick hand saves but also allow me to get good rebounds of the pad of the glove. This is especially handy when saving flicks. At a high playing level the flicks are coming hard at you and even getting a little touch can mean a save and a good solid glove will be the difference between a SAVE and a GOAL. I find Mazon gloves give me that edge.
This is the same with the kickers and the pads. With the kickers it is especially important the quality of the make of the kicker and having that extra thickness through the inside area of the food, because that is where you make most of your saves. Having that thick inside area lets you generate a lot more power in the save and therefore the rebound. It is also important whether or not the toe of the kicker has the correct shape to cover your shoe and it is important to note that you wear your shoe and kicker correctly, because that is the main factor to allow the kicker to do its job – protect your feet.
When choosing pads I prefer to wear leg guards that are sturdy, light and especially durable. The leg guard should cover your knee but no more than half way above your thigh, because these are the main pieces of equipment used when sliding, it is important that you get the right design for your style of goal keeping. Some leg guards have a completely smooth surface and some have ridges up the outer side of the leg guard. I find the later version allow me to generate a lot more speed when sliding and allow me to slide and recover from slide quickly. I find this design does not inhibit my movement and agility and therefore enhances my goal keeping.
Go Hockey News question to Audrey; “How do you care for your goalie gear”?
It is extremely important to air out your gear. If possible to take out your chest plate, pants and smock and hang out somewhere, don’t just leave them in your bag, after each training session or game. I also like to wash my gear. I put my chest guard and pants in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. I put in antibacterial wash with the washing powder. I also wash off my leg guards and kickers with the hose and wipe them out with the antibacterial wash. I do this weekly, but depending on how often you train will depend on how often you need to wash your gear.
Your team mates will thank you for this.
Go Hockey News question to Audrey; ”You play with Mazon goalie; what do like about the gear”?
I like Mazon gear because it is sturdy, light and durable and reasonably priced. The way the gear is made and the type of foam used makes it last and allows me to play and train at a high level of intensity .The great accessibility and availability of the gear is also a key factor as to why I am with Mazon.
Go Hockey News question to Audrey; “Can you tell our readers about your representative achievements?
I was inducted into Queensland Academy of Sport in 2012, I have been a proud Scholarship holder since.
In 2013 I received an Australian Institute of Sport Scholarship and lived and trained in Perth for that year.
My first Queensland Team was U15 in 2008, we competed in Newcastle.
I debuted for the Queensland Scorchers in 2012.
In 2013 I was named in the Hockeyroo’s team to play in the Argentina Series, it was Luciana Aymar’s 300th game for Argentina.
I played for the Hockeyroos in the 2013 International Super Series where we won the gold medal.
Go Hockey News question to Audrey; “What has been your hockey career highlight to date”?
Winning both the U21 and AHL finals in nail biting finals would have to be have to be my career highlight. Both games went to 1v1s, these are always exciting and it ‘s every goalies dream to win like that and twice in a year was such a great experience and made all the training worth it. To play and then to win with such a great group of athletes with such a great culture really gave us the edge throughout the tournaments.
Go Hockey News question to Audrey; “How do you motivate yourself during a game”?
During a game it is easy for the goal keeper to get sidetracked or distracted, whether that is umpires, outside factors or a game where the ball mostly down other end of the field. But to keep me motivated and on track I always have in the back of my mind a little phrase that I ask myself, if I feel I‘m drifting off “what am I doing now that is helping my team to win this game” and the answer to that is often what keeps you focused and motivated to play. So even if the ball is at the other end of the field you always have to be aware of what’s going on and always anticipating what could happen next making sure there are no surprises.
Go Hockey News question to Audrey; “What advice would you give to young goalkeepers wishing to achieve what you have”?
Always make the most of your opportunities, whether it be at training, camps or game. Always see potential opportunities of where you can improve yourself, whether that is on or off the field. But always enjoy what you are doing!
Go Hockey News wishes Audrey a successful and fulfilling hockey future.
