Eunice High School stands by the profound motto, “She conquers, who conquers herself.” This resonates beautifully with their brand of hockey and philosophy, which is all about enabling talented players to realize their fullest potential through skills development, dedication, and enjoyment. Embracing their positions within the team, players also learn vital life skills through their passion for the sport they love.
The Essence of Eunice
At Eunice, the pursuit of excellence is unwavering. Their core values include Accountability, Respect, Commitment, and a Positive Mindset. This commitment to upholding strong values fosters an environment where players not only flourish on the field, but also become well-rounded individuals off the field.
Guiding and Mentoring
The Eunice coaching team is composed of dedicated individuals who are committed to nurturing talent. Leading the first team is Nika Coertzen, while Ellen Meyer takes on the role of biokineticist, and Desire Serfontein manages the team, with all contributing to the holistic development of players.
Provincial and National Contributions
Eunice’s staff extend their expertise beyond the school grounds. Louise van der Merwe, as the Executive Chairperson of SFS High Schools’ Hockey, plays a pivotal role in serving Southern Free State and national hockey. Nika Coertzen doubles up as an assistant coach for the successful SFS U18A team who won the National U18 Tournament, with Louise Naude and Thuli Nyuswa managing the SFS U18B and U16C teams, respectively.
Shining Stars
Eunice’s dedication to nurturing exceptional talent is evident in their players’ achievements which helped map out Eunice’s journey to Hockey Excellence. Among those first team players who made it to representative teams this year are the remarkable Taheera Augousti, who achieved recognition in the SA U18A, SA U21A, and the South African Ladies team; Lilly-Ann Theron and Solange Jacobs in the SA U18A and SA U18B teams; Bianca Rees-Gibbs in the SA U16A team; and Anebel Venter in the SA U16B team.
Eunice’s Hockey Mantra
For the year 2023, Eunice’s mantra was “Let Joy be your Compass.” Playing with joy in their hearts encapsulates the spirit of their hockey program, emphasizing the importance of passion and enjoyment as players grow and develop.
Reflecting on Past and Present
The past two years have seen Eunice hockey rise to new heights. In 2022, they secured commendable results, securing the 3rd position at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival, a 2nd place in the SFS league, and another 2nd place at the Fairtree Super 12 Tournament. The team’s efforts paid off even further in 2023, with a triumphant first place finish at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival, winning the SFS league, and the Fairtree Super 12 tournament. They clinched third position at All Girls’ Tournament and are set to compete in the upcoming FS Cup.
A Triumph of Teamwork and Team Spirit
Nika Coertzen, the dedicated coach and mentor of Eunice hockey, reflects on the arduous yet rewarding journey of the team. With a dream that began four years ago, Nika acknowledges the legacy of previous coaches and administrators whose efforts paved the way for the team’s success. Their collective team effort and relentless commitment, is summed up by Michael Jordan’s advice that there is no shortcut to success. She acknowledges the massive significance of the Fairtree Super 12 Tournament victory for the entire Eunice community and sets her sights on the challenges ahead, determined to maintain their elevated position.
The Voices of Triumph
From the players’ standpoint, the journey has been nothing short of transformative. They highlight the importance of commitment, hard work, and the trust in their progress. Success, they learned, required perseverance and resilience in the face of both victories and setbacks.These remarkable young athletes expressed their gratitude for the growth, the memories, and the unity they experienced as a team. They leave the season with a profound sense of accomplishment and pride, ready to face the future with their heads held high. In a world where achievements are a testament to hard work, determination, and a collective spirit, Eunice hockey stands tall. As they continue to conquer themselves and the challenges that come their way, they embody the essence of their motto, reminding us all that true victory starts from within. Vincit qui se vincit
Author: Keith Fairweather
Photo credit: TeamphotoSA