Jade Close

Details

Category: Hockey

How did you become involved your sport?

My family has a cycling background so it is rather odd that I play hockey - but my sister who is a year older than me played in Kindergarden and one Saturday morning they were short and needed a player so I picked up my stick and played and have been playing since.

Do you have a sporting mentor?

Alex Lupton and Brenda Baker - they were able to develop my game from a young age and took me under there wing.

Who is your sporting hero?

I am obsessed with Lance Armstrong and the way he was able to battle through an illness and still compete at such a level in cycling but I also love Roger Federer the way he can stay composed and calm when the going gets tough is an amazing asset.

Age you started in your sport?

I started when I was 4

Age, Weight and Height?

24, 160cm, 59kg

Accreditation's/Certificates/Degrees?

Certificate 3/4 Business Management

What is the reason you continue to play your sport today/motivation?

I love the rewards you get from running so hard and training so hard that you can barely move but knowing that you have 26 other teammates cheering and helping you on, the feeling on wearing the green and gold and playing for your country, for the drive and addiction of getting better - for the friendships and the experiences.

What is your current club?

Ryde Hockey Club

People that have inspired you not only in sport but in life as well?

My mum - she has taken me from tournament to tournament and is always teaching and guiding me in the right direction

Great experiences that happened in your life?

Making the national squad in 2011 and going to Champions Trophy 2011 and also being selected in the Olympic Squad for the London Olympics

Your Interests and Hobbies outside of your sport?

I love animals so on a day of relaxing I love watching animal planet or any documentary on animals, as well as going to the beach and a spot of shopping is always good.

One tip or quote which continues to inspire you?

You are the captain of your ship, master of your soul

Family Background and current family?

I come from a large family and my immediate family is my mum, dad and sister.

Happiest memory?

Waiting for the email to come to say that I had been selected in the 2011 national squad and waiting up all night to find out that I had been picked in the Olympic Squad

Who did you grow up idolizing?

Allyson Annan and Andre Agassi

Who has been your most influential coach?

Growing up Mr Lister (John Lister) he has always believed in me and still to this day believes in me and Anthony Thornton my current NSWIS coach without him putting everything into perspective for me I wouldnt have achieved what I have achieved thus far.

How has playing your sport changed your life?

It has always been my life and I dont really know any different - This is my life.

What is the greatest advice you can pass onto young players?

That you need to believe in your ability and go with your heart dont let anyone say you arent good enough and never let yourself be defeated by what people say - always rise above and keep on trying.

Were you one of the best players growing up?

I was always selected in teams where I was younger by a couple of years. I was selected as a 15yr old in the u21's Australian team so I guess I was one of the better players growing up

Training Background(sports, etc)?

I played tennis up until I was 14 until my tennis coach said I needed to decide between tennis and hockey, and I was into Little A's until u15's. But hockey was my desired choice.

Favourite Foods/Type of diet you follow?

I love Smiths Crinkle Cut Chicken Chips and Allens Freckles - Dont have a main diet that I follow just a balance of all foods

Favourite Bodypart to Train plus training spilt(training schedule + fav session)

I would have to say my abs - thoroughly enjoy what we call work capacity its a gym circuit that we complete after our main gym session

Describe a typical day?

Our days vary - although Monday,Wednesday, Friday we have pitch training and Tuesday, Thursday we have gym, work capacity and Individual Session in the afternoon

Worst injury you have suffered?

Right knee reconstruction in 2007

Sporting/Club History and positions played?

I have played for Panthers and Raiders from juniors to seniors out at Penrith and in SWHL I played for Esquires for many years until I changed clubs to play for Ryde Hockey club. I have played here there and everywhere I started off playing a half back and midfielder but I am now a striker

Greatest sporting moment you have had thus far? Achievement to this point?

Making the Olympic Squad and 2011 national squad

Who has been your greatest rival on the field?

Being a team sport I have never really had a rival.

What is your favourite movie?

Bench Warmers is a favourite but I also love Blue Crush

What one lesson did you take from your parents?

Always remember where you came from - be who you are and lead the way never be a follower.

How do you deal with temptation?

For food if I am craving junk or something I shouldnt indulge in I make a cup of tea or eat ice. Although I do treat myself if needed and I have earned it.

What is your favourite music/band/song?

I love all types of music, but currently in a Florence + The Machine phase although changes every week

What is your biggest fear?

I hate the dark and not the biggest fan of flying although not sure many people do.

Do you believe "never giving up" is the difference between making it and not making it in any sport?

It plays a massive factor - although sometimes you are just not good enough to make it.

Have you ever failed at anything? If yes how did you overcome this?

Yes, I am one of those never give up people I have been in and out of the senior squads for many years and throughout those years I thought I was good enough and fit enough but I never took the opportunities all time. So late in 2010 I decided that this is my last chance at making it and havent looked back I have changed and alter many things in my life to be where I am know and still have developing to go.

What inspired you to succeed?

Hated being told I wasnt good enough, knowing that I was good

What did you want to be as a kid growing up?

A Hockeyroo or a Triathlete and workwise always wanted to be a zookeeper

Typical game day routine?

Walk,shower and then breakfast - lunch is normally something light depending on game time and then a nap followed by music and dancing around to hype myself up and then music all the way up to we get to the change room.

What is the ultimate prize for you in your sport and why?

An Olympic Games medal (Gold) its the most rewarding prize you can get for all the hard work you have put in over the 4 yr period

Your Future Goals in your sport , what are goals after you have finished playing?

I would like to go to London 2012 and Rio 2016 and get a medal and also go to a Commonwealth Games and World Cup and medal as well. I would love to become the Worlds best and to be remembered as a great hockey player. After I finish playing I would like to complete an ironman and also complete a degree in zoology

What's the one thing about you few people know?

After my first hockey game I smashed my brand new hockey stick over a tree and then had to play with a cut down old dingy stick the rest of the season

What one item can you not live without?

My pillow

People you would like to thank?

My Mum, Dad and Sister and all the people who have put time and energy into myself and my hockey.

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