Sticks Round The World – Casey Crowley and Olivia Shannon
We’re excited to launch our brand-new collection, Sticks Round The World, the place we pull again the curtain on our Vantage Black Sticks athletes to offer you a glimpse into their on a regular basis routines, espresso, conditioning, chaos and all.
This collection, operating alongside our social media channels, affords a more in-depth have a look at life underneath the brand new decentralised programme. With gamers now coaching and enjoying throughout Aotearoa and Europe, the fern continues to fly proudly from all corners of the hockey world.
We chat with Vantage Black Stick gamers Casey Crowley and Olivia Shannon on how they’re adapting to the decentralised mannequin.
Casey (defender) is presently primarily based in Auckland and enjoying for ABC Hockey Membership on the North Shore. Since making her senior debut for the Vantage Black Sticks in opposition to Australia in Might 2022, Casey has gone on to earn 40 caps for New Zealand bringing expertise, grit, and management to the squad.
Olivia (midfield/striker) has confirmed to be a standout performer and a pressure to be reckoned with, sitting on 19 objectives and 89 caps for her nation. Primarily based within the UK, Olivia presently performs for East Grinstead with the season having most just lately drawn to an in depth ending third within the English Hockey League.
Like most of us, Casey and Olivia deal with work, research, and a social life, but additionally keep health and technical abilities to the best degree to compete on the world stage.
Remaining centered and motivated whereas being decentralised is without doubt one of the largest challenges to beat – how do you shift your mindset to fight this?
Olivia, “Motivation for me fluctuates particularly after I’m away from my household and pals. They’re an enormous motive I do what I do and generally it may be lonely on the opposite facet of the world with out them, however my motivation comes from my household in addition to doing it for the legacy of the individuals who have come earlier than me and the little ladies & boys that aspire to place the Black Sticks singlet on. It’s at all times reminder for the motivation that ladies all all over the world are placing within the work too.”
That blend of non-public function and emotional problem is one thing Casey has additionally felt all through her journey.
“Motivation is like being on a rollercoaster. There have been days the place I’ve questioned all the things, my dedication, my talent, why I hold placing myself by way of baseline conditioning! However if you’re with the workforce, the enjoyment is unmatched. Sporting the fern and realizing we’re all pushing ourselves by way of the identical doubts, that connection is particular. It’s what retains me disciplined when motivation dips.”
Steadiness is one other beast within the high-performance world, how do you juggle it?
“To be trustworthy, I don’t at all times steadiness it. There are a whole lot of emotional days. As aggressive folks, we wish to do all of it, however that’s not at all times sensible. I’ve realized to plan my weeks primarily based on depth blocks and upcoming occasions, and I’m fortunate to have a versatile job that works round coaching. That, plus ensuring I take time to reset, helps me hold going”, says Casey.
Olivia, “It’s at all times a difficult one however being within the programme and rising with it you study to adapt. I do know after I first made the programme I definitely wasn’t good at it being 17 away from household and pals was actually powerful however now being decentralised it’s given me the flexibility to be in Hawke’s Bay near household and pals but additionally the chance to go abroad and play top quality hockey to enhance and get higher. I’ve learnt to steadiness my social life with family and friends alongside hockey as that really makes me a greater hockey participant when my cup is full mentally that’s after I’m at my greatest bodily.”
Trying forward, there’s one main date circled on each Casey and Olivia’s calendars:
“Something that brings the group collectively is thrilling. However I believe the Oceania Cup in Darwin shall be an enormous one. It’s at all times a fantastic battle between New Zealand and Australia and with a 2026 World Cup spot on the road, it’s going to be one thing particular,” Casey shared.
On Olivia’s facet, her emotions as follows: “It’s a really busy again finish of the yr, however particularly excited for Oceania cup there’s nothing like enjoying our Trans-Tasman rivals and battling for a spot for the World Cup with the ladies. I’m actually trying ahead to stepping on the pitch with them but additionally watching our lads play it’s at all times particular if you’re all in the identical spot.”
Maintain an eye fixed out as extra Black Sticks take us by way of their day-to-day on this collection and don’t overlook to observe alongside on our socials for unique content material, behind-the-scenes tales, and extra.
