Cailynn Den Bakker of TuksHockey, might only be 23 years of age. Still, she has already established herself as an essential cog in the South African women's national indoor and field hockey teams. Just watch videos online to see the South African women's national hockey team in action. The Tuks student-athlete is actively involved during the action, especially in indoor hockey. Every so often, she would score.

But don't expect Den Bakker to talk about personal heroics. She plays hockey for the team to help them reach their goal. Put simply, it's a team effort where everyone contributes equally.

The TuksHockey player made her international debut for South Africa in 2023. Currently, she holds 26 field hockey caps for the Proteas and 21 indoor hockey caps.

Den Bakker claims that at the age of five, she made her first contact with a hockey stick.

"As a youngster, I participated in all kinds of sports, but it was the hockey training sessions I looked forward to the most. Playing hockey came easily to me, so it should be no surprise that I fell in love with the game. As I got older, I realised I was pretty good at it, so I started working harder."

Making sacrifices was never a problem. Last year, in an article, Den Bakker describes missing most of her friends' birthday parties because she was either on a hockey tour or at a training session.

According to her, there was a time when playing hockey became a way for her to escape stress. But nowadays, playing hockey is more about the camaraderie.

"It is like a feeling of I need to be around 'my people.' On the pitch, you will see I work super hard to support my teammates and give my all for the love of the game. I bring dedication to the game. Off the field, I aspire to be a role model for younger players. It is important to be humble and kind.

As for advice for young players, Den Bakker says they should realise they will face setbacks.

"It is all about how you overcome them. Don't give up. Keep going. Play for that little girl who fell in love with the game."