Eliza’s a cut above your average leader

IF successful leaders commit themselves to courageous and selfless acts then Eliza Westland is a born leader.

The Derwent Premier League hockey captain is also expected to fulfil a leadership role in Tasmania’s under-21 women’s side chosen recently to compete in Sydney.

But her interstate opponents may need to look twice before they recognise the star defender after she recently raised nearly $7000 by taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave.

“My motivation behind doing it was mainly because cancer affects sadly everyone at some stage in their life and I just wanted to be able to do my part to provide awareness and support for those who have been affected,” Westland said.

“I also wanted to show that hair doesn’t define who you are and for those people who have to lose their hair, they are still beautiful and very empowering.”

Westland was delighted that the hockey community and her family and friends got behind her but says the recent cold snap has left her feeling a little cold on the playing field.

“It is extremely easy having short hair and gives me a bit more time,” she joked.

The conversation turns serious as Westland eyes a big national championship tournament alongside fellow Tasmanian under-21 senior players Jemma Kenworthy, Maddy Hinton and RubyRose Haywood.

“We have a strong team with Molly Haas’ great skills, Ruby’s great voice and knowledge of the sport, Maddy’s speed and determination, Jemma’s awesome hit and Phillida Bridley’s strong basic skills,” she said.

“We had the strongest group of players nominate for selection for a long time and I’m sure our coach Andrew McDonald will have us in a strong position before we head to Sydney in July.

“We also have some excit- ing young players like Phillida and Sophie Rockefeller, who is just 15 years old, but my advice will be to not be intimidated, be strong and show why you have been selected in the team.

“Sophie in particular is a really dedicated trainer and has a big future in the sport, so I hope she learns a lot from this experience.”

The team will compete in Sydney from July 4-12, alongside Tasmania’s medal hopeful men’s side led by Jack Welch, Benji Austin and Oliver Smith.