WELTEVREDEN PARK – Caitlin Ellis from Northcliff High School has created giant leaps in her young career.
The Weltervreden Park resident made a name for herself when she was chosen to represent the Southern Gauteng hockey team from 2 to 5 July in Mpumalanga.
Caitlin, who plays for both Northcliff High School’s and the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) hockey teams is arguably one of the strongest hockey players.
“I was happy when I was chosen to represent the Southern Gauteng’s team,” said the 15-year-old.
“I enjoy playing hockey, it is nice and I love the energy that makes me deliver the result.”
Caitlin started playing at the age of 11 and since then, she has never looked back.
Today, at age of 15, she represents UJ’s U17 – and hopes to represent Gauteng in the U18 and U23 in the near future.
The destroyer, as she is affectionately called by her coach and professional hockey player Clinton Panther, can also be seen as the Jill of all trades, as she has also made provincial team for cricket, and enjoys playing golf.
“I am motivated and inspired by sports. I love promoting sportsmanship, but hockey is my main focus.”
Asked where she finds the time to juggle school and sports, Caitlin said “I wake up every morning at 5am to catch up with my books, and during the day I go for practice at school or UJ.”
She adds,” I am also grateful that the other coaches give me time to represent more than one team.”
She has her coach Clinton Panther to thank for her success.
“I look up to my hero Clinton, he motivates me and gives me the right direction.” She smiles, “He taught me skills, and how to push for goals.”
Her mother Jenni Ellis said she is inspired by her daughter’s hard work and dedication.
“She is so dedicated, and trains hard all the time. I love the fact that she is very good with time management,” she informed.
