“Big matches and strong opponents bring extra pressure, and that can affect mental health”

In the context of the FiH Pro League 2025 against Las Leonas and Ireland, the smart Australian hockey player Claire Colwill, accept talking by Instagram with El observador site.  

Claire Colwill Australia Hockey photo

First of all, she started saying that representing Australia is a huge honour and something never take for granted. It takes a big responsibility because is about carrying the history, pride and of course the green-gold.In motivation Claire explained she has to give her best, not only for myself but for his teammates, family and everyone supporting us.

Second, Colwill mentioned if being part of the green and gold is a pressure. She answered with high class that expectation are top from outside and from ourselves. ¿How she manage it? I thinked Claire Colwill is very intelligent, so it resolved it this way: focusing on what she can control: preparation, her mindset, and his effort. Agree that is important too to talk with his teammates, staying connect to what she loved as well as stay balance. It is not easy the level where she plays that why I believe Claire takes as a professional she is it. In addition, the smart player said big matches and opponents bring extra pressure, so it could affect mental health.She gives the example of Netherlands that it is necessary to be full focus with emotional control. As well as, is about learning to stay calm,confident and present is essential.The blonde end this part of the conversation saying that mental health is as important as physically.

Finally, the Australian star told his opinion about Las Leonas, a strong and competitive team who gives it all until last minute.

The talks begins…

1)    ¿What does it mean for you to represent your nation in hockey?

Representing Australia is a huge honour and something I never take for granted. Wearing the green and gold means carrying the history, pride and responsibility of everyone who played before me. It motivates me to always give my best, not only for myself, but for my teammates, my family and everyone supporting us.

2)    ¿Being part of the Australia Team, is there pressure? ¿How do you work on it?

Yes, of course there is a pressure. Expectations are high, both from outside and from ourselves. I try to manage it by focusing on what I can control: my preparation, my mindset, and my effort. Breathing, routines, talking with teammates, and staying connected to why I love hockey help me stay balanced.

3)    ¿Does representing your country at that level affect mental health? For example, it’s not the same to play against Spain than Netherlands

Definitely. Big matches and strong opponents bring extra pressure, and that can affect mental health. Playing against top teams like the Netherlands requires full focus and emotional control. Learning to stay calm, confident, and present is essential. Mental health is just as important as physical preparation.

4)    You were Champion of the HIL India League with Yibbi Jansen and Freeke Moes. ¿What do you remember from that time?

That experience was incredible. The atmosphere in India, the fans, and the intensity of the league were unforgettable. Playing alongside top players like Yibbi and Freeke was amazing, and winning together created very special memories. It was a beautiful mix of high-level hockey, culture and friendship

5)    ¿What do you think about Las Leonas? Joosje Burg said in an interview that they are a tough team

Las Leonas are an extremely strong and competitive team. They play with passion, intensity and great technical quality. They always fight until the last minute, which makes them very difficult opponents. Every match against Argentina is a challenge and a great test.