Eager to make a difference
South American flair will bolster Trinity Stingers’ young A-grade women from today as two Argentinian imports make their mark on the competition. Lola Pastrana and Marianela Busechian’s (above) journeys to Cairns are more than just notches on their “belts of dreams” to play international club hockey. The pair plan to make a difference while becoming a part of the Cairns Hockey community.
SOUTH American flair will bolster Trinity Stingers’ young A-grade women from today as two Argentinian imports make their mark on the competition.
Lola Pastrana and Marianela Busechian’s journeys to Cairns are more than just notches on their “belts of dreams” to play international club hockey. The pair plan to make a difference while becoming a part of the Cairns Hockey community.
Pastrana, a striker, has only been here a week but has already fallen in love with the Far North, returning to Australia after a previous stint for Yarra Valley in the Victorian Premier League.
“It’s hard not to love a place like this,” the 29-year-old said.
“Every place that I go is not just learning about hockey, but from hockey. It’s about the people who play, the coaches, club and I had the chance to be in Australia and to come back for me is amazing.”
Pastrana has also played at the top level in Belgium and is eager to use her experience to encourage Stingers youngsters to take the next step up.
“I consider myself super positive and I like motivating people to get the best of themselves,” she said.
“Most of the girls are really young, under-18 and they’re just getting to that place where they need to think if they’re going to take it a step further.”
While goals are the aim of any striker, Pastrana also serves as translator for Busechian, who is still working on her English.
The midfielder has three caps for the national team and will add a massive boost in class for the A-grade side.
“She just came over from Italy, where she had her first international experience,” Pastrana said of her countrywoman. “Apparently we played against each other once, but I don’t remember her and she doesn’t remember me.”
Saints will face Stingers first up tonight.