Adversity often acts as a catalyst for transformation, reshaping careers and revealing new paths to greatness.
This rings true for former Fiji Hockey representative Alsace Smith after a neck injury that almost forced him off the field, but it didn’t stop him from pursuing his dream of following his passion for the sport.
Instead, it led him to a fulfilling role, one that has seen him guiding the Pacific Games hockey team as a coach.
Smith’s journey with the national side began in 2012, a promising career cut short by an injury.
It could have been a blessing in disguise for him as he found solace and purpose in coaching, channelling his deep love for hockey into shaping the future of the sport in Fiji.
“Coaching was part of my aspiration, and I decided to take that on formally with the Fiji squad,” Smith said.
“Being a part of the journey to the Pacific Games and the bigger dream, which is the world cup, even from the sideline, means everything to me. It’s enough.”
The pressure is on Smith and his squad as they want to maintain Fiji Hockey’s exceptional performance in the 2019 Pacific Games which earned them a gold medal. Rather than viewing it as a burden, they see it as a challenge waiting to be conquered.
“Reaching that standard and maintaining it is our aim. We won gold in the last one, which means we have our work cut out for us in the Solomon Islands, but rest assured, my teams are ready,” Smith declared.
With the Pacific Games on the horizon, Fiji Hockey is gearing up for the battle, taking a squad of 18 players to the competition slated to begin on November 19 and culminate on December 2.
