When Laiken Brisset steps onto an Astroturf to play, many may not take note of the diminutive hockey player, but it only takes a few minutes for opponents to know she is the real deal.

The Tuks player seemingly fine-tuned the art of outwitting opponents with fleet-footed footwork and excellent dribbling skills. When she passes, the ball rarely goes astray. Being tactically savvy certainly helps. 

So it is no surprise that she was selected to play for the South African under-21 hockey team and the South African Indoor squad this season. 

"I play for the team. My thinking is strategic and tactical. I'm a strong-minded player who doesn't easily give up. I guess my size is deceiving. That is to my advantage as my opponents tend to underestimate me," is Brisset's statement.

"I mainly play as a forward and sometimes as a midfielder. My best qualities as a hockey player are my selflessness and hunger to win the ball off another player. Currently, I am working to increase my goal-scoring shots during the game. I want to find myself in better positions to score and not only as an assist to a goal."

Brisset said the biggest highlight was when she got her first international cap playing indoor hockey for the national under-21 side. 

"It is a surreal experience to have the privilege and opportunity to play for your country. When you step out on the Astroturf, the atmosphere is electric. What made it more special was knowing that you got the backing of your teammates, spectators and family and friends."

When asked about role models, Brisset's immediate response is to say it is her parents. 

"My parents didn't have the opportunity to attend university after high school. Once my mom had finished high school, she worked at a distributing center, packing boxes, and my dad learned about plumbing while working at other plumbing companies. He eventually qualified as a plumber.

''My parents worked nights on end without sleep. Days would go by without me seeing them. I  ended up staying with my gran.

"I shared a room with my two siblings and two cousins. I remember I had to get up at 4 am weaving myself between bodies in the darkroom to find my boots, kit or books. It did not phase me. They were my strength that helped me get through tough days. Mentally I had set myself goals step by step. My dreams became a reality through hard work and commitment. 

"For that, I got to thank my parents. Because of what they sacrificed, I never felt short of anything. Their hard work and determination served as my inspiration. They taught me that nothing is impossible, even if it seems stacked against you. My parents are now managing their own construction company. I am the person I am because of them. I will be forever grateful for that," said the BCom financial sciences student.