TEMtalk - Ross Sudano

In this edition of TEMtalk we chat to our new PL women's coach, Ross Sudano.

Occupation: I run a social enterprise called LifeChanger Challenges. At LifeChanger Challenges, we create life changing experiences through a shared journey based on trust, support, reflection and achieving something remarkable together, while contributing to a purpose greater than ourselves.

Hockey position: Midfield.

Senior Games played: 44 (not including Masters) At TEM? Plus many more for YMCA Perth Hockey Club, including premierships in Premier League and Premier League Reserves.

Favourite food: Fries

Footy team: Carlton

Favourite band/singer: Cold Chisel

Favourite TV show: Back Page

Ideal Holiday: Anywhere on the beach with lots of sun and surf.

Children/family: Jo my wife who has seen way too much hockey, Tom is 21, Emma is 19 and Will is 16 (and the only other hockey player in the family)

Hobbies (other than hockey!): Health and wellbeing, outdoor adventures – the more challenging the better, any sport, reading

Where did you grow up and when did you first pick up a hockey stick?

I grew up in Perth and was introduced to hockey as a 10-year-old through a family friend who coached junior hockey. I went to training with Pat one day and fell in love with hockey immediately. It quickly became my passion and like many other youngsters I had dreams of playing hockey for Australia. I was fortunate enough to access high performance pathways in WA hockey and progressed through state teams to captain the Under 21 WA team and be offered a full time scholarship at the AIS based in Perth.

I hear you spent some time training with the Australian Hockey Squad at the AIS back in the day. Can you tell us a bit about that?

The AIS was an amazing experience and even now, one I look back on as a defining period in my life. The program was amazing, the commitment required just to get through each week incredible, the shared life experiences with a group of committed athletes was a once in a lifetime experience. And I learnt so much about hockey and about what is required to be the best you can be. Unfortunately, one of the lessons learnt was that I did not have enough talent, despite my commitment, to play for Australia. So, I also learnt to deal with disappointment. I still look back now at how this experience has shaped my life and my understanding of athletes in a high-performance environment and the resilience required to be successful.

How did you make your way to TEM Hockey Club?

I moved from Perth to Melbourne in 1992 not knowing any of the clubs in Melbourne. I rang Hockey Victoria to ask for advice and somehow found myself talking with Joe Hough. The rest was simple, turned up for training and played with an incredible group of people who from day one made me feel very welcome. Billy Hooper was premier league coach at the time. Work then took me back to Perth where I continued to play premier league and moved into coaching.

I then drifted away from hockey until Will came home from school one day and asked if he could play hockey. I had him registered to play Hook into Hockey before he had finished talking and have been increasingly getting involved with TEM ever since.

Are planning on playing seniors or masters again this year? Do you prefer one over the other or do you enjoy playing both equally?

I am planning on playing master’s on a Monday night and seniors as possible when it doesn’t conflict with the Premier League Women’s fixtures.

The last two seasons I have played seniors with Will and have had the most fun I have ever had playing hockey, so as long as I can keep up with him, I would like to keep playing together before my body finally says enough….

I love the community aspect of all teams, the fun you have playing together and then supporting other TEM teams in their matches. Its one of the main reasons I keep coming back each week.

Your son, Will has played with us throughout juniors, and you’ve coached his junior teams in the past. Do you find it more rewarding or frustrating coaching your own child?

I have a real passion for helping young people learn and develop in their sport. I am fortunate to have been involved in coaching Will and being part of his hockey journey, including now playing together. I do believe however, at a point in time it is necessary for someone else to coach your child, they need to hear feedback and advice from others to broaden their skill sets while you step back from their hockey and play a more supporting role.

You’ve taken on the role of PL women’s coach this year. What do you hope to achieve with the girls in 2021?

I am genuinely excited to contribute to the enjoyment and success of the women’s Premier team and to help in the creation of a dynamic, enjoyable and ultimately successful team. I am enjoying getting to know each of our players as this group of talented individuals continues to improve as a team with a collective goal of making an impact on the competition whilst enjoying their hockey and their time together.

I have been so impressed with their efforts so far and while we are still early into our challenge, I could not have asked for anymore than the collective group has given over the pre-season. We are all looking forward to our first game in such a long time.

Who is a coach (hockey or not) that you admire and why?

Justin Langer – Coach of the Australian Cricket team

I love the way JL takes a team first approach, believes in character over cover drives and is passionate about helping his athletes to be successful. He is full of authenticity, lives by high standards and has enormous credibility when he talks about personal expectations, no excuses and the focus on team. If I can replicate some of those attributes, then it will go a long way to helping to create a successful team at TEM.

Do you have any special or interesting talents you’d like to share with us?

I love the outdoors, hiking, climbing, trekking, cross country skiing with family or close friends. Some of the amazing places I have been with family or friends include Base Camp at Everest, mountain biking on Whistler in Canada, Kokoda Track in PNG, climbing on Mt Kinabalu in Borneo, ocean kayaking and camping on Vancouver Island in Canada and numerous other incredible locations.

MEN

By Sam Hill, Men's Secretary