By TERRY MADDAFORD
Lizzy Igasan has already told her mother to start saving.
Inspired by the efforts of the New Zealand women's hockey team at the Sydney Olympics, Igasan knows where she wants to be in 2004.
"Watching the players who I had played with or against was a real inspiration," said 18-year-old Igasan. "I'm a lot more self-motivated. My aim now has to be winning a place in the New Zealand team for the next Olympics in Athens."
Promotion to the national side should be well within the grasp of the former Northlander.
The vice-captain of the national under-21 side, she has also played for the under-18 side and the senior and junior Maori teams.
Born into a hockey-playing family, it was inevitable she would play a sport which remains strong in Whangarei.
"I started playing with my sisters and brothers when I was four and have played ever since. One of my sisters is still playing and my brother James is in the New Zealand under-21 squad. We have all played for Northland."
Two years ago, after her outstanding talents stood out at a national tournament, Igasan took up an offer from former North Harbour women's coach Suzette Eastmond to finish her schooling at Rangitoto College.
"It was hard leaving my family and friends but it has been great for my hockey," said Igasan, who last year captained the college's first XI in their win at the national secondary schools tournament. "I have played a lot of hockey since coming to Auckland. It has all been worthwhile."
In working her way through the national academy programme, Igasan feels she is getting closer to a place in the national side.
She has been accepted into teachers' college, and has her first day there on February 19 - the day after a training camp.
About that time, she should know whether she will play against the visiting South Koreans or one of the other teams touring here this year.
Igasan has not decided on her playing future but would like to stay with North Harbour, despite their poor season in last year's Lion Foundation National League. "We didn't do as well as we had hoped but at least we won the tri-series playoffs and will be back in the league this year."
Igasan has played mostly at left back but has shown her versatility in other positions, including the pivotal centre-half role.
Igasan, who at times has been hampered by bronchial asthma, says she feels "heaps better" these days and cannot wait to see what this year brings.
Sports picks 2001: Hockey runs in the blood for Lizzy Igasan
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