FORMER Hockeyroo Kate Hollywood is no stranger to pressure situations.
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Hollywood has won two Commonwealth gold medals, competed at the Olympics, World Championships and countless other international tournaments.
But she still finds getting all the kids at camps to listen nigh on impossible.
“Last week at a clinic I had an eight-year-old pretty much ignore me,” she laughed.
“The kids are great though, in their home towns they’re always so excited for us to come.”
Hollywood is the head coach at this week’s NSW Country Hockey Clinic at the Orange Hockey Centre, that finishes today.
The goal of the clinic is to maximise junior development and enjoyment, and Hollywood said the role is one she relishes.
“I’m pretty much just helping the kids with specific skills,” she said.
“I love coming to country towns because everyone here loves hockey.
“It’s refreshing for us to see it.
“And hockey is so big here, there are some really talented kids.”
Hollywood, whose grandmother lives in Orange, said the camps are vital to the development of juniors in rural areas.
“To have good coaches and players come from the city is great for the country. It’s really beneficial for the kids.”
After an international career spanning seven years, Hollywood has taken a sabbatical from competitive hockey to broaden her sporting horizons.
“I haven’t played hockey since last September,” she said.
“I’ve been having a break and doing different things, different types of training that I want to do.
“I just ran the Gold Coast Marathon and I’ve taken up triathlon.
“It [the break] is refreshing.”
Hollywood said while she rarely watches hockey anymore, the Hockeyroos’ recent win in the Investec World League was pleasing.
“Honestly I don’t follow it much,” she said.
The 27-year-old is undecided whether she will make a return to hockey, focusing on her current endeavours.
“I just wanted a break but then I started doing the triathlons, just for fun.
“I haven’t decided whether I’ll play again or not.”