EMMA PUVREZ

Club: HC Tilburg

Postition on the field: Defender

Osaka Hockey Stick: Osaka Pro Tour 100 - Low Groove

What led you to play field hockey?
What initially drew me to field hockey was the influence of my parents, who were avid players themselves, and the camaraderie I experienced with my classmates when I was around 5 or 6 years old.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
When it comes to inspiration, Nafi Thiam stands out as my greatest motivator. Her unwavering dedication to improvement and her relentless work ethic make her incredibly inspiring to follow in her sports endeavors.  

What does field hockey mean for you, right now?
Field hockey isn't just a sport to me; it's my lifeline, my passion, my everything. It's where I find my purpose and my sense of belonging.

What is it like getting to represent your club/ country?
Representing my country on the field is an indescribable honor. It's a privilege that not everyone gets the chance to experience in their lifetime, and it fills me with immense pride and gratitude.

What is your pre-/after game ritual?
Before a game, I have a ritual of playing soccer/football with a few of my teammates. It's a way for us to bond and get into the right mindset before hitting the field. After the game, I focus on recovery and review clips from our performance to identify areas for improvement.

What is a typical day in your life?
Waking up (eat, let dogs out), leave to training, depending on the day it is gym or training, afternoon I walk my dogs, work a bit for school, do my groceries, cook and eat. Relax in the sofa for the rest of the evening if not going out for dinner or meeting up with friends or family once in a while

What makes you happy?
Several things bring me joy outside of field hockey, including spending time with my girlfriend, playing with my dogs, savoring delicious food, exploring new destinations through travel, connecting with animals, and engaging in other sports like padel and soccer/football.

What do you do besides field hockey?
In addition to field hockey, I am pursuing studies in applied psychology, which adds depth and diversity to my life.

How do you stay 'on top of your game'? (Healthy, driven etc)
To stay at the top of my game, I set both long-term and short-term goals. These goals serve as my guiding light, keeping me motivated and focused on continuous improvement. I strive to be the best possible version of myself in every aspect of my life.

What do you still want to achieve as athlete?
My ultimate aspiration as an athlete is to become a champion in all competitions. It's a dream that fuels my passion and drives me to push my limits every day.

How do you see the evolution of field hockey (in general) in the coming years?
Looking ahead, I foresee field hockey continuing its rapid growth trajectory. It has evolved significantly in recent years, and I believe it will only continue to expand, possibly becoming even faster-paced. I'm particularly curious about the evolution of playing different surfaces and how they will influence the game.

What does the Osaka ambassadorship mean to you?
Being an ambassador for Osaka means a great deal to me. It's an opportunity to represent a brand that is dedicated to excellence across various sports and prioritizes the needs of athletes. It fills me with pride to be associated with a brand that shares my values and supports me in my athletic endeavors.

How has Osaka influenced your career as an athlete?
Osaka has played a significant role in my athletic career, elevating my performance and providing me with a platform to share my experiences with other athletes. Through our partnership, I've been able to showcase my journey to becoming a better athlete and inspire others along the way.

What prompted you to team up with Osaka?
Teaming up with Osaka was a natural choice for me, given our shared values and commitment to excellence. I saw it as an opportunity to align myself with a brand that prioritizes the well-being and success of its athletes.

What is your most important advice for a beginner athlete?
For beginner athletes, my most important advice would be to enjoy the game and set clear, achievable goals. Sharing these goals with others can provide accountability and support along the way.

What would you tell your younger self?
If I could go back and speak to my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of enjoying the game. It's easy to get caught up in the pressures of competition, but ultimately, it's the love for the sport that sustains us through the highs and lows.