What led you to play field hockey?
Right from the start, she foresaw my future as a hockey player. At the age of 4, my first year proved challenging, and it was my mom who supported and guided me through it.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I don't have a single specific person who serves as my inspiration. Instead, I draw inspiration from the players I share the field with. Recognizing that achieving all your goals independently is impossible, I believe that observing and learning from other players is key to personal improvement.

What does field hockey mean for you, right now?
It may sound a little ridiculous, but field hockey is my life. I never anticipated that a sport could wield such a profound influence on my life. Engaging in field hockey not only brings me immense joy but also serves as a comforting refuge during challenging times. When I step onto the field, everything else fades away, allowing me to immerse myself completely in the game.

What is it like getting to represent your club/ country?
In a single word: proud. Before the game begins, singing the national anthem, a surge of energy courses through me. From that moment onward, the realization of years of hard work and sacrifices hits home. It's a sentiment that defies description; you simply have to experience it firsthand.

What makes you happy?
Field hockey brings me joy, yet my friends, family, and girlfriend hold the utmost significance in my life. These individuals support me through both the highs and lows. Among them, my parents play a special role as they know me best. That's why having respect for your parents is super important.

What do you do besides field hockey?
In addition to field hockey, I engage in piano playing for 15 minutes every day to unwind. The soothing nature of playing an instrument helps me relax. I also make it a point to run at least twice a week and maintain a regular gym routine. Cycling, particularly with friends, is an activity I greatly enjoy, always maintaining a brisk pace—no sauntering allowed ;)

While I have a deep appreciation for various sports, field hockey continues to be the most enjoyable. Occasionally, I also partake in padel, and if you're into it, here's a tip: consider getting your padel racket from Osaka.

How do you stay 'on top of your game'?
Field hockey is not only performing on the field, but also off the field. Upon returning home, I prioritize stretching to proactively prevent injuries. Maintaining a focus on nutrition, I strive to consume a healthy diet, recognizing its pivotal role in overall well-being.

Additionally, I prioritize a sufficient amount of sleep to allow my body the necessary rest and recovery. Beyond physical aspects, self-analysis is a crucial part of my routine. I meticulously review my game footage, analyzing both the positive and negative aspects of my performance.

At home in our kitchen, we also have several cards with a different motivational quote on each card. Every day I draw a new card with a new quote and it helps to stay mentally strong.

What do you still want to achieve as athlete?
My end goal is to make it to the Olympic Games. But before I reach that, I have to take a few steps back. Currently I am in the U18 national team. My next goal is to make it to the U21 national team ( Young Red Lions) and then hopefully the Red Lions.

As an athlete, I also want to help young players achieve their dreams.

How do you see the evolution of field hockey (in general) in the coming years?
What I have noticed over the past few years is that field hockey has become much more popular than before. The level has also gone up, and I hope that this upward trend will continue.

What does the Osaka ambassadorship mean to you?
Being an ambassador for Osaka is a tremendous honor. Osaka's global recognition in field hockey is undeniable, and I am confident that it will endure. Since my childhood, I have been playing with Osaka, and being sponsored by them was a dream come true.

I realize I'm not the only one with this dream, and I feel fortunate that it materialized for me. Gratitude fills me, and with Team Osaka being a top-notch squad, my sole objective is to amplify the presence of Osaka and introduce young players to the excellence of Osaka products, enabling them to shine on the field.

How has Osaka influenced your career as an athlete?
I am 16 years old so hopefully I have a long career waiting for me. But so far Osaka has helped me a lot. Especially in terms of motivation and self-confidence. Self-confidence is something you have to create yourself, but it also comes from what is happening around you. They are always ready when I need them. Because of them, I can go to any game or training session fully prepared.

What prompted you to team up with Osaka?
As I mentioned earlier, Osaka was my dream brand. A dream that came true. I also knew of myself that I was going to be loyal to Osaka. And that I was going to be able to inspire other players. I can say with pride that I succeeded. It's also always nice to be able to have a team behind you, supporting you in all times and in my case, that's Osaka.

What is your most important advice for a beginner athlete?
Never give up. Never give up, no matter what situation you are in. Often a career stops because you don't see it anymore or because you get stressed and don't like it anymore. But everyone has been in that situation, including me. At times like that you really have to fight and continue.

Think of all the great moments you experienced with field hockey. Think back to the moment you held a stick in your hands for the first time. Think back to why you started playing field hockey and are still doing it today. Just never give up, and go for it.

What would you tell your younger self?
That I am super proud and I am so glad I started playing field hockey. This sport has brought me into a social and healthy life. I would say to myself that there are many fun moments coming up, but also many stressful and demotivating moments coming up. But that I'm going to get through it. In the end, I'm the one who has to make everything. You can't trust others too much. You can only trust 100% in yourself.

 Anything else you want to add?
Be happy in what you do. Never do something you don't like to do. Not only in field hockey, but also in everyday life. If you ever have any problems or want to talk about something that is bothering you in field hockey. Then send me a message on instagram and I will be there for you.

Live your sport, live Osaka…