Hi, my name is Zara Smith. 

I am 14 years old and love playing as a Hockey Goal Keeper! 

↻ Turn your phone sideways to view the gallery and see me in action ↻

My ultimate goal is to one day play at international level as a Hockeyroo. But for now I am working on my skills and getting into the NSW U16 State Team.  

** Update** Competition was super tough at the 204/2025 U16 selections with 12 Goalkeepers competing for spots on two teams. Unfortunately I didn't make it through on this round but I am not giving up. I am currently Participating in the Sutherland Hockey Academy as a Identified athlete on the state pathway and will continue to work on my skills to improve my selection opportunities next year!

At the Junior Club presentations this season I was awarded the "Coaches Award" for my U 16 team

And at the senior presentation I was awarded the "Lyn Smith" Award which recognises players in the lower senior grades who play well but also participate within the club with commitment, enthusiasm and loyalty. I was totally blown away to receive this level of recognition for my only my second season in women's hockey!

My Playing History:

I have been part of the Hockey NSW Centre of Development program for the past 3 years and last year I won the “player of the region” for the Metro South Scorpions.  

I have played for Sydney South at the State Field Hockey Championship in the girls U13, U15 and U16. 

I also play for Sydney East in the Combined High School competition 

At a local level I currently play for Sutherland District Hockey Club ( SDHC) in the U16 SEHA team (mixed). I also play for SDHC ‘Thunder’ in the Sydney South comp and SDHC Women’s 2nd grade ‘Lightning’ in the SEHA womens comp. 

I often fill in for the U18 SEHA teams and for the our women’s SWHL teams when the older keepers are unable to play. 

Most weeks I play up to 4 games as well as training a couple of times a week

As you can guess this much hockey comes at a cost, and while mum and dad support me the best they can, and I will be getting a job to help out as soon as I am old enough (6 months to go!! ) having your support to help me reach my goals means the world to me. 

My fundraising will help me with 

1. Keeping my goalie kit in tip top condition - those ball come at me at top speeds and my kit keeps me safe !  Wear and tear on my kit means I need to maintain it and replace bits regularly so I can do my thing without worrying about injury. Goalie kits also get stinky so keeping it clean is really important.
2. Travel to local training and games. - Mum, Dad, my grandparents and even my big brother drive me to games and it would be nice to help them out with fuel costs if I can 
3. Travel and accommodation for State Championships, Carnivals and selection events - costs for travelling across the state and interstate should I make the state squad for 2025 
4. Hockey Registrations and club fees - these fees allow me to play
5. Private Coaching & Skills Clinics - investing in myself to get better at what I do so I can reach my dream 

If you can assist with a donation of any size it would be greatly appreciated!