About Me
I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, where sport played a pivotal role in my family and life in general. It was in this dynamic environment that my Olympic dream began to take shape at the age of 12, ignited by a true hero—my teacher, the remarkable Murray Anderson. He had recently played at the Olympic Games as a forward in the men's hockey team, and his stories about his experiences truly sparked something inside me.
​
At 15, I got my first taste of what it was like to play for South Africa when I was selected for the U16 national team. I enjoyed two years with the U16 and U18 teams before making my debut for the men's team at 18. My first game was against Canada in Pretoria in 2004.
Wanting to take the next step in my hockey development, I moved to England to play for Reading Hockey Club and to teach, coach, and work at Bradfield College. I enjoyed four quality seasons of hockey and learned a tremendous amount about elite-level play. During that time, I also represented South Africa at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, achieving a dream I had nurtured since I was 12 years old.
In 2009, I took over as captain of the national team and also moved to the Netherlands to play for HC Den Bosch. My leadership guided South Africa through World Cups, Commonwealth Games, and the prestigious 2012 London Olympics. My captaincy was a period of profound growth that proved invaluable when I served as Den Bosch club captain for over eight years.
​
In 2017, I began working at the International School of Eindhoven as a primary school teacher, where I am still currently employed. The lessons I learned on the hockey field blended seamlessly with the joys and challenges of teaching, making me a more adept coach as well.
​
After my third Olympics in Tokyo and 17 years of representing my country with pride (183 caps, 67 goals), I decided to retire from international hockey. I continued for another two seasons at HC Den Bosch, and after 14 years with the club, I transitioned from playing to coaching.
​
In 2023, I began my current role as the assistant coach of the Den Bosch ladies' team, where I remain dedicated to the game I love and committed to nurturing the next generation of talented athletes. I now enjoy a mix of coaching at Den Bosch, working with local and touring groups, and teaching international primary school students.
​
