Ella’s ahead of the game

Pocket rocket Ella Du Preez will represent WA at the State School hockey championships and is using the experience to help build her leadership qualities.

The sixteen-year-old midfielder said she worked hard in summer to build her fitness and her next step was to develop into a scoring player as well as a distributor.

It won’t be the first time Du Preez has played on the State stage. Recently, she helped the Northern Territory’s stocks and represented their side in the Under 18s division. Du Preez has also represented WA previously.

“It was an amazing experience to play on that level and my hockey really improved as a result,” she said.

The South West Academy of Sport product has dreams of playing in the Australian Hockey League and becoming eligible for national selection.

As for the State School carnival, Du Preez said the aim was for a medal.

“It’s a lot about the team dynamic, success isn’t about having the best players but having the best team dynamic,” she said.

“I was fortunate enough to captain my Under 15s team, which was a really great experience for me to grow as a person.

“It was an eye-opening experience and I realised how important captains are and how a big responsibility it is.”

Ella Du Preez was the Busselton Freight Services Rising Sport Star for January.