Kandice Olivieri

Details

Category: Hockey

How did you become involved your sport?

I was a late bloomer in starting Hockey. I had to pick a school sport in year 6 and chose it. The coach then invited me down to join the local Labrador club and that's where it all began.

Do you have a sporting mentor?

I think every athlete has someone they look up to. Mine would be Ian (Jenno) Jennings. I learnt so much from him both physically and mentally. If I can make it through some of the sessions he put us through I'm pretty confident I can get through anything.

Who is your sporting hero?

I very much look up to ex Hockeyroo Captain and close friend Nikki Hudson. An incredible athlete and determined person. Who can forget the inevitable Lance Armstrong; always inspiring and motivational.

Age you started in your sport?

I was at the ripe old age of 11.

Age, Weight and Height?

Recently 21- 53kgs- 161.5cm with a pony tail

Accreditation's/Certificates/Degrees?

I have my Certificate III in Business Administration but ultimately endeavour to become a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist.

What is the reason you continue to play your sport today/motivation?

To represent Australia in the field of hockey at the highest of levels; that being an Olympic games and be part of a group special enough to medal (preferable gold!)

What is your current club?

On the rare occasion that I am back home on the Gold Coast I play for Labrador but was drafted to Aquinas in Perth commonly known as Reds.

People that have inspired you not only in sport but in life aswell?

Without a doubt my dad. He would have to be the most hard working, determined, strong willed, person I have ever met and I'm so lucky that he's my dad. He has guided me through so many tough times and challenges throughout my career so far. Dad always knows what to say to keep my spirits high and my feet on the ground. He's my hero in every single way.

Great experiences that happened in your life?

I have been lucky enough to have travelled so many places thanks to Hockey and met so many different people and experienced a lot of different cultures. The best would be debuting for the Hockeyroos in Argentina.

Your Interests and Hobbies outside of your sport?

Of late, I have discovered the addiction of online shopping (clothes and shoes is what I am referring too) . I will admit it is incredibly convenient. I love cafe hopping, trying different coffee's and places to go with the girls. Being a Gold Coast girl, I can't forget the beach. It's the third greatest place on this earth.

One tip or quote which continues to inspire you?

Mai Rinunciare - Never Give Up. I have this imprinted on my body and i write NGU on the face of my right hand every single game as I was at a point where I was ready to quit hockey after experiencing numerous disappointments and my Dad told me that I should Never Give Up on my dream. Deep down I knew I wasn't a quitter and it meant a lot to me. Also, having an Italian background I thought it appropriate to keep it creative.

Family Background and current family?

Born and raised in Frankston, VICTORIA till the age of 9 with the dream of becoming and Olympic 100m sprinter. My parents then retired at the age of 32 and we moved to the Gold Coast. I then finished my schooling at A.B. Paterson College. I have 1 younger brother. My parents now own a Mobile Vegetable business which delivers fresh fruit and vegetables to business's and homes.

Happiest memory?

The happiest memory I have would be the day I read that I would be debuting for the Hockeyroos!

Who did you grow up idolizing?

Since I was a young girl I always idolized Cathy Freeman. She is such an inspiration to a lot of people and athletes. Also, my Mum and my Dad. If I'm half the person that they both are then I'll be a happy person.

Who has been your most influential coach?

Without a doubt Ian (Jenno) Jennings. The training sessions that we went through with him is something that is imprinted on my brain as being some of the hardest sessions I have ever done in my life. I remember being sick after a few sessions but in the end it was all worth it.

How has playing your sport changed your life?

I have had the luxury of travelling overseas through playing to places such as South America, South Africa, Japan, New Zealand and I've met a lot of different people and seen various cultures around the globe. Also, the feeling of representing your country is something incredibly rare and I can honestly say there's not another feeling like it.

What is the greatest advice you can pass onto young players?

Honestly, Never Give Up. If you have a dream, believe in it and make it real, make it happen. Do the good little things when no ones watching, so when it comes time to use it, you're great at it.

Were you one of the best players growing up?

I actually was never the best at anything when I was younger. Just incredibly competitive and driven by representing Australia in some sporting event. I started playing hockey at 11 which is really late as most start at age 4-5 but have always wanted to be the best at everything.

Training Background(sports, etc)?

Training is an ongoing cycle with 1-2 week breaks throughout the year. Its most competitive and full on when preparing for tournaments and competitions. I enjoy early morning trainings around 5am on the pitch and weights- gets me going and I feel so great for the rest of the day. Most of my trainings are AM's but recently they have been both and training up to 3 times a day.

Favourite Foods/Type of diet you follow?

Pasta. Absolutely couldn't live without it. A fresh salad and fresh fruit always goes down well. I'm a sucker for good quality ice-cream as well. I have a rule, I give my body what it wants and needs and it returns the favour when I need it.

Favourite Bodypart to Train plus training spilt(training schedule + fav session)

I love going into the gym and smashing my legs on squats! My legs are like my babies. I love our full training sessions where we spend the first 45 minutes on striker related things eg. goal scoring shooting diving- then coming together in a big group and implementing what we have practiced into a contested situation.

Describe a typical day?

Alarm goes off at 5am Monday- Weights- 6-7am - Work 8am-5pm - Skills 5:30-7:30pm

Tuesday- Skills 5:30am-7:15am - Work- Skills 6-7:30pm

Then i repeat this until Friday afternoon.

Worst injury you have suffered?

The only and worst injury I have has was 9 months ago when I completely ruptured my Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and had to have a full knee reconstruction. They took my hamstring ligament and placed it in my knee leaving me with a 3rd grade hamstring tear aswell. This was all 1 week before our Olympic selections ruling me out of the 2012 Olympic squad and have spent the last 9 month in rehabilitation.

Sporting/Club History and positions played?

I am and have always been a striker when I'm on the pitch. Loyalty will always remain at my first club on the Gold Coast- Labrador Tigersticks. When I played in Brisbane I played for Kedron Wavell and was drafted to Old Aquinians in Perth who are also known as Reds.

Greatest sporting moment you have had thus far? Achievement to this point?

Scoring my first goal for Australia was the best sporting moment of my life to date. Can't explain the feeling of hearing that ball hit the backboard on your first goal for your country. Indescribable.

Who has been your greatest rival on the field?

Everyone is a rival know matter who I play. If they're not on my team they are a rival and its on. I must admit that as a striker its always hard to get past a Jodie Schulz tackle.

What is your favourite movie?

Oceans 11 & 13! George Clooney just does it for me.

What one lesson did you take from your parents?

Just do my best and they will be proud and to Never Give Up on my dream.

How do you deal with temptation?

Pretty well. If i know i cant have it, I don't need it, if i don't need it, i wont give in.

What is your favourite music/band/song?

My favourite artist is Michael Jackson. I love listening to r'n'b.

What is your biggest fear?

Drowning

Do you believe "never giving up" is the difference between making it and not making it in any sport?

Yes, otherwise I wouldn't be the person I am today that has a tattoo with that exact saying on me. I believe so strongly that if you want something bad enough, to never give up on it because it will happen.

Have you ever failed at anything? If yes how did you overcome this?

I have failed many times at things I have tried. I believe its very much got to do with your mind set and the way you think about it. If you think you've failed then you have, if you think you're learning then you haven't failed because you'll try it again and would have learned from it.

What inspired you to succeed?

The overwhelming feeling of success and happiness when i achieve something I have put my mind to and knowing how hard I worked to achieve it. That inspires me everyday.

What did you want to be as a kid growing up?

Always wanted to be a Flight Attendant. I'm pretty sure I don't have the legs for it though.

Typical game day routine?

Wake up and have a solid breakfast. Depends on the game time but if its in the afternoon ill have my carbohydrates for lunch and be sipping on the water. I'll then do my hair the way I want it for that game- generally in a ponytail. I'll then do my face while cranking out the tunes and pump up. Right before I leave ill grab my banana and have a berocca. Then on the way to the game crank my r'n'b beats.

What is the ultimate prize for you in your sport and why?

Winning that Gold Medal at the Olympic games!

Your Future Goals in your sport , what are goals after you have finished playing?

Ultimately to have a long career in the Hockeyroos and to be a valuable member to the team. Obviously to participate at an Olympic Games and to win a gold medal.

What's the one thing about you few people know?

I can sing. Shhhhh!

What one item can you not live without?

My phone. Not going to lie it literally goes everywhere with me. I wouldn't call it sad its not. It has my music on it, its a camera

People you would like to thank?

My amazing family. My mother, Father and Brother- The most amazing people I know. Thank you for supporting me over the last 9 months. They have been some of the most difficult months of my life and you guys always know what to say. The QAS/AIS/WAIS- Thanks for not giving up on me!

• CLICK_TO_ENLARGE CLICK_TO_ENLARGE
• CLICK_TO_ENLARGE CLICK_TO_ENLARGE
• CLICK_TO_ENLARGE CLICK_TO_ENLARGE
• CLICK_TO_ENLARGE CLICK_TO_ENLARGE
• CLICK_TO_ENLARGE CLICK_TO_ENLARGE