Friday, March 29, 2024

Black Sticks call up ‘what I’ve always wanted’

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Kate Ivory playing for North Harbour. Photo supplied

When Kate Ivory got the call up to join the Black Sticks shortly before Christmas, she initially thought she’d been named in the development squad.

“Then I read it again and I was like ‘hang on, what?!’”

The 19-year-old, who has played hockey since she was 5, says the opportunity to play alongside her idols is “pretty cool”.

“I was quite shocked. I don’t really know how to put it into words to be honest, it was what I’ve always wanted – getting to train and play with people that you’ve watched for so long.”

Ivory played for Howick Pakuranga Hockey Club until 2016 before having to change to a North Harbour club.

While she hasn’t had an official cap with the Black Sticks yet, she had a taster during January when she played four games against the visiting Japan team.

Ivory has just been named as a non-travelling reserve to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, but hopes to one day make it to Olympic glory.

“I’ve got to work hard and do a lot to get there because I’m still one of the youngest [in the team].

 

 

 

 

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