Hockey: Young Black Stick sets sights on Olympics

Sophie Devine is very well organised and understands the game well. Photo / APN

Asked once what words best described her, double international Sophie Devine replied "energetic, clown, driven".

The first and last obviously rang a bell for national hockey coach Mark Hager. There is no doubt Devine is driven, and achieving what she suggests some light-hearted moments along the way.

Pitched into the Wellington cricket team at the tender age of 14 and playing her first ODI three years later, Devine has lived a sporting life. But she now faces perhaps her biggest challenge, having committed herself to winning a place in the Black Sticks team for next year's London Olympics.

"The Olympics are a huge drawcard for me and I have set my sights on being there," said Devine, 21. "But I know there is a lot work to be put in before I make it.

"There is an obvious difference in the fitness levels required for the two sports.

"As a defender, I know I have to be ready to play hard-out for 70 minutes. Against Japan the three of us at the back were getting the occasional breather but that will not always be the case."

Hager has plans for his dual international, but said: "She needs to build her hockey fitness."

A hard taskmaster, Hager demands a huge commitment from his players. Devine is no exception. Hager said long term she is definitely prepared to commit to hockey.

"We are already working on her drag flick," said Hager. "I definitely see some potential in what she is showing us. But she just needs to play more hockey. She is very well organised and understands the game well and, as a bonus, she is deceptively quick over 10m."

With just eight caps, Devine - Wellington-born but now based in Christchurch where she is studying for a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology at Canterbury University - is one of the least-experienced of Hager's squad, who begin their three-test series with world No1 Argentina in Whangarei tomorrow.

Not that she hasn't played hockey at a high level. "From about 4 or 5 I have always played both hockey and cricket," said Devine. "I certainly don't find it hard switching from one to the other. There are a lot of girls who play both. I suppose in some ways they are similar, given the hand-eye co-ordination needed in sports where the ball is moving at pace."

Now settling into a defensive role, often alongside 82-test veteran Clarissa Eshuis, Devine is learning the ropes.

"She is good to play with. She has the patience and experience and I have certainly learned from her. Between us, we have also built good communication with whoever is playing in goal."

Back in Christchurch for a few days after the winning series over Korea and Japan, Devine wasted no time in turning out for her Selwyn club last weekend. She now hopes to play for Canterbury in this winter's NHL although, under the new rules, Wellington might be able to claim her.

Before that, the Argentines and either a development tour to Japan or full-scale European trip - including the Champions Trophy - loom. It is, she knows, the chance to impress and fulfil her Olympic dream. Starting tomorrow in Whangarei.

BLACK STICKS v ARGENTINA

* Tomorrow: Rosvall ITM Hockey Centre Whangarei, 5pm

* Monday: North Harbour Hockey Stadium, 6pm

* Tuesday: North Harbour Hockey Stadium, 6pm