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Confidence built at Pan Am Youths

May 11, 2010 | Field Hockey Canada | fieldhockey.ca

Confidence built at Pan Am Youths

May 10, 2010

By Cecilia Carter-Smith

“Teach them well and they will lead the way…” – Whitney Houston

Canada’s U-17 field hockey team found a silver lining at the Pan Am Youth Championship in Montevideo, Uruguay earlier this year (March 13-21). A sterling performance by the young nationals ranked fourth entering the eight team tournament.

Emma Plasteras, a grade 11 student at Carson Graham Secondary School in North Vancouver exemplified the trust and confidence that coach Robin D’Abreo had in his young charges. “Until I met Robin I had always played mid-field,” said 16 year old Emma. “But, he switched me to forward and since then I have become a more confident player and have scored a ton.”

Confident indeed. The fleet forward scored seven goals at the Pan Am Youth Championship tying three other internationalists for top spot among scorers in the Youth Olympic Games Qualifier.

“At first I was really reluctant about being moved to forward, said the West Vancouver Vipers Field Hockey Club player. “Turns out I love it!”

Remarkable what confidence can do for an athlete. Call it “risk and reward.” And – trust.

Shannon Herold, a student at South Delta (B.C.) Secondary School also applauds Coach D’Abreo for believing in her. The 16 year old mid-fielder’s skills have been elevated to a different level thanks to Robin’s tutelage.

Said the midfielder, “Robin has helped me in so many ways over these (past) months. I have improved on many individual technical skills but, I feel my greatest growth was as a tactical player on the field.”

When asked to recall one favourite memory of the Pan Am Youth tournament experience the Vancouver Meraloma Field Hockey Club member and Delta Falcon (spring league player) replied with excitement, “One favourite memory would simply not be possible: receiving my first ever Canada jersey and standing on the field listening to O Canada being played was one; another was winning the semi-final against Chile; and another was getting swarmed by Uruguayan school girls for autographs after a match win.”

Welcome to the world stage, Shannon. 

Emma Plasteras recalled her favourite moment as the 4-1 win over Chile in the semi-final match. “That game was the most fun for me because we played so well. The environment around us was incredible. I remember how proud I felt coming off the field at the end of the game – to wear the maple leaf on my jersey.

“We were all so happy and excited that we had overcome the odds and were going to the finals,” said Emma. “I remember Robin telling us to celebrate this moment and to remember what it feels like because an opportunity like this doesn’t come often.”

Receiving the captain’s band to play against the #2 world ranked Argies in the title tilt was a special moment for Shannon Herold. “It was a huge confidence booster to know that the coaching staff had that confidence in me.”

Concluded Emma. “Robin is so committed. He is so encouraging to everyone he coaches. He is one of the best coaches I have ever had. Our team was really lucky to have him.”

“I believe the children (young people) are the future; Teach them well and they WILL lead the way; Give them a sense of pride……….”

A tip of the bowler to you, Robin and your capable support staff: assistant coaches Andri Shannon, Sarah Saddler (plus video), and Ann Harada (physiotherapist) for a sterling performance in Montevideo Uruguay at the U-17 Pan Am Championship.

Continue “to teach them well…….”