Olanna, in Lower III is our Under 11 hockey goalkeeper presently training and preparing for the County Championships next month. She took on the role only this season, yet is already showing considerable potential.
Olanna is a very keen and skilful footballer, but loves all sports and enjoys being Paget Sports Captain. Mrs Barlow had suggested she might like to try goalkeeping and Olanna took to it straight away and hasn’t looked back!
Following an initial training session with Senior School players and ex-Junior School goalkeeper, Sophia Zürek (Upper V), Olanna was inspired to join Reading Hockey Club. Now playing twice a week with specific training, plus outfield play, Olanna is progressing quickly; she hopes to qualify for the Berkshire Junior Development Squad later this year.
She commented, “I aim to be the best goalkeeper I can be, and love diving for the ball “. During a recent after-school training session, Olanna quickly demonstrated in the warm-up that she wasn’t going to let anything get past her, She also feels well protected in all the kit so isn’t afraid, and continued, “I feel rewarded at the end of a match when it all comes off and I feel free“.
Playing at Reading Hockey Club, Olanna is often amongst under 13s and 14s so is still a little unsure, but working towards the confidence to be calling out to help the defence players and certainly has lots of tips to give our under 11 team with her growing experience. Good luck, Olanna and all the U11 squad!