Andrea Cullen spends at least three days a week contributing to club hockey commitments, including managing a team, serving on the Southern Districts club committee, representing it for Auckland Hockey and participating on the committee for Tamaki Makaurau.
Making time in her schedule to attend meetings and team training takes expert organisational skills and the 26-year-old is the first to admit she has taken on a lot.
“Sometimes I think I’m just a sucker,” she laughs. “I love to organise and I can’t say no.”
Ms Cullen has been a keen hockey player since she was young and it was natural for her to want to become involved in the sport that she loves.
Helping in the hockey community runs in the family and Ms Cullen’s mum spent years coaching young children.
While she doesn’t get paid for her work, the Botany resident feels her efforts are appreciated.
“It’s the thanks and gratitude you get from your team-mates and fellow committee members.
“The comments they make let you know that they appreciate you.”
And she’s also quick to point out she’s not the only one fitting committees and management into her life.
“There are heaps of people who put copious amounts of hours into hockey.”
Team-mate Marg Barchard says Ms Cullen is always happy to lend a hand.
“Nothing ever seems to be a problem, she’s always willing,” she says. “She’s bright and happy, fun and always laughing.
“For a young person she maybe takes on a lot, but she seems to enjoy it and still manages to have a life.”
Despite having training on Wednesday evenings, a game on Saturdays, some umpiring on Sundays and at least three monthly meetings for each committee, Ms Cullen shows no signs of slowing down.
“I’ll keep volunteering and will grow old and just keep doing it.”
– Angela Iotua is an AUT journalism student
