Her impressive ball control, strength and vision were only some of the reasons why Harrisdale Senior High School student Gurleen Kaur Brar was selected to represent the state for the under 14 national hockey championships in October, coach Shonel Vuletich said.
“Gurleen has a very high work rate and that always gets noticed during trials, which are pretty long sessions and require a lot of endurance,” she said.
“She has all of the attributes to be a key playmaker in a team.”
Gurleen’s dad Harsimranjit Singh Brar said Gurleen started playing hockey when she was about six-years-old, following in her older sister’s footsteps.
“In the evening, me and both my daughters will go to the oval and play,” he said.
“Jasmine will help with whatever she can – with skills or anything else.”
When Gurleen started playing, Mr Brar didn’t think his daughter would reach the heights she has done.
“I never thought my child would be representing WA one day,” he said.
“It was just for fun but then as she went on, I saw that she has the ability to do something – she can reach a high level.
“We started to put in more time in the sport and she gradually improved and her interest grew.
“So, it’s a very proud moment for me.”
Mr Brar said Gurleen had played different positions throughout the years she had been playing hockey.
“When she went for the under 12s, she was a defender,” he said.
“And last year when she went, she played as a striker.
“But now she’s settling more as a midfielder and striker.
“Because in modern hockey, you need all the skills to defend and attack.”
Ms Vuletich said she saw Gurleen playing a key role in the team’s midfield this year.
“However, her versatility as a player means that she could also end up playing some minutes in the forward line,” she said.
“It’s always great when we have players who can fit easily into more than one line as there are often injuries or illnesses to deal with during tournaments.”
Mr Brar said Gurleen felt proud to represent WA.
“She’s always looking forward to playing for the state and she works very hard for that,” he said.
“After the championships, she always says, ‘I want to go again next year and one day maybe I can play for the Hockeyroos’.”
Ms Vuletich said she was impressed with how the team was coming together.
“All of the players are extremely coachable and prepared to work hard for one another,” she said.
“They are all playing a lot of hockey so fitness levels are very high and now it’s just about solidifying the style of play that will bring us the best results.”
Mr Brar said Gurleen thinks they have a good and strong team this year.
“Winning a medal will be the thing she’s looking at,” he said.
