#TuksHockey: Parents are Laiken Brisset's inspiration when she plays hockey for South Africa

When Laiken Brisset of TuksHockey, 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 Canadians certainly did when they played in the recent series against the Proteas in Pretoria. The Tuks student-athlete made her international debut against them. 

She certainly took to the challenge like a fish to water. Brissett outwitted opponents with fleet-footed footwork and tactical savviness to score one of South Africa’s two goals in the first game. She also scored in the third game, finishing among the tournament's top goal scorers. South Africa won the home series 3-0. 

As to how it felt to score her first goal in international hockey, Brissett said, "It proved that hard work and long hours of training will pay off in the end. To showcase that playing for your country made it even more special."

Her parents, who are her role models, were in the stands to watch her on-field heroics. She would have it no other way. 

"I am the person I am because of my parents. I will be forever grateful for that. They started out dirt poor when they married. None of them had the privilege of going to university. When I was born, they went all out to make sure they could provide for me, starting a plumbing company. Later on, it developed into a fully fledged construction company. 

"The most important thing I have learnt from my parents is to take risks. Don't be afraid to mess up as long as you fix it in the end. It should never be about the mistake but about how you react and act after it," said the BCom financial sciences honours student. 

Why hockey? 

"It is the dynamics of the game. Playing hockey stimulates your mind, and it is creative. As much as there are rules, there is a lot you can do during a game to create opportunities for your teammates.

"My best quality playing as a striker is my work ethic. There is an emotional element to it. In hockey, it is never about yourself; it is about putting your body on the line for the sake of the team.

"Playing as a striker is for me about being super physical when you get the chance to be on the ball, especially when playing internationally. You can't afford to waste any opportunity. It means you have to be super clinical and tactically savvy to create scoring opportunities."

Doing puzzles is one of the things Brissett does to relax. She recently finished a 1500-piece puzzle. 

"What I love about puzzles is that there is no time limit. You don't have to finish it by tomorrow."

Now that she has finished the puzzle, Brissett is considering giving it to one of her Tuks teammates so she can take on the challenge.