Jolie Sertorio to captain Western Australia at 2022 Hockey Australia U21 Championships
Experience will be on the side of Jolie Sertorio, when she captains the Western Australian Team at the 2022 Hockey Australia U21 Championships.
Sertorio has 18 state U21 caps already to her name, and has competed at the last three U21 National Championships held, including the bronze medal winning team from 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions prevented the 2020 and 2021 editions going ahead.
“Being back playing a national championship feels a little surreal. Over the past two years, U21 teams were picked and commenced training with the tournament to then be cancelled very last minute due to COVID,” Sertorio said.
“There were a lot of girls over those two years that were in their final years of 21’s and then didn’t get the opportunity to compete. So I think this years National Championship is very important, as us girls aren’t just representing each other, we are representing the numerous WA players that didn’t have the opportunity to compete at their final U21 championship and we hope to do them proud.”
The 20-year-old is looking to use her experience and leadership to further the development of some of the younger players.
“I am very appreciative to be the captain of such a cohesive and determined group of girls. I did my first U21’s tournament when I was 15 years old which has allowed me to empathise with the younger girls in the team and the feelings that come with playing your first U21’s tournament.”
“I reiterate the same advice to the younger girls as I got given at my first tournament; just have a crack and be a sponge – soaking up as much knowledge as you can.”
The opportunity to play at home will be a further boost for Sertorio and the Western Australian Team, with the week long tournament held at the Perth Hockey Stadium.
Sertorio said it was a dream come true to play her final U21’s tournament in Perth. Western Australia will play in pool C and face Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales Blue in the pool stage.
“I have never played a national tournament in Perth before, so I am really excited to experience the environment and support that we will get from having a home crowd. Being surrounded by my friends and family at my final 21’s is a rare event that I will definitely enjoy and treasure.”
The leadup to the tournament has been mapped out by WAIS Hockey Head Coach Steph Andrews, with a focus on both performance and strong culture. With Sertorio feeling the approach will bring the best out of the team.
“Our preparation for this tournament was thoughtfully planned by our coaches and I believe this is resembled in the way our team is performing both on and off the field.
“Other than expanding our technical and tactical skills, the coaches prioritised ensuring that we were a cohesive team that play and work hard for each other whilst having fun doing it.
“Although winning a medal is definitely on our radar, our main goal is to be perceived as the unified and hard working team at the National Championship.”