Kerikeri hockey star smashes NZ debut
Kerikeri’s Samantha Polovnikoff is on a high after making her Black Sticks debut.
The 18-year-old played the final quarter in the Trans Tasman Series decider against Australia on November 20.
‘‘It was pretty amazing to be honest, it has been a little dream since I was six and started playing hockey. I’m still on a high.’’
She says it was extra special to have her parents there to see her debut.
After being thumped 6-0 in the first game of the three-match series, the Black Sticks fought back to win the next two games 2-0 and 3-2 respectively.
The striker was originally invited as an observer for the series, held in Auckland, which ran from November 17-20.
‘‘We thought we were going to be travelling observers but then we got to wear uniform on the bench. The coach wanted to give us a bit of game time, it was so exciting.’’
While the team was missing a number of its most experienced players, Polovnikoff says the team environment was really encouraging.
‘‘I learnt an immense amount, with a lot to take forward with me into the future. I was constantly watching them, how they play, and what structure they use. They were all very friendly as well.’’
This was not the former Kerikeri High School First Eleven player’s first taste of international competition with experience gained as a member of the Junior Black Sticks and the Future Black Sticks.
During her first year of study for a Bachelor of Architecture at Auckland University, Polovnikoff was travelling north to Whangarei frequently to train with her Northland National Hockey League team.
She was the team’s highest scorer in the September national tournament.
Her advice for aspiring hockey players: ‘‘Don’t expect anything to be a walk in the park, there will be ups and downs and when it gets tough just give yourself a reminder why you began in the first place and persevere through.’’
She hopes to take her hockey career as far as she can.
‘‘It would be amazing to play in an Olympics, I’ll see where it takes me.’’
For now though, she is moving back to Kerikeri for the summer where she will be working, keeping fit and relaxing.