SHE was seven years old when she contested her first game of hockey and since then Sandra Black has become a player who team-mates treasure and rivals respect.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Her strong tackling, ability to sniff out a goal and high work rate have made Black a well known figure with the ranks of the Bathurst Women's Hockey Association.
But come next week a whole new group of players will discover what Black has to offer as she pulls on a green and gold top for the first time in her career.
Black has been selected in the Australian women's masters over 50s team which will do battle with their New Zealand rivals in a three-Test Trans Tasman series on the Gold Coast.
She earned her spot in the squad of 16 after impressing for the ACT representative side at the national titles.
"I've played for ACT since I think '08, so a long time," Black said.
"I dreamt of achieving that next level, that's why I actually went down and trained and played in Canberra for about five years, from 2010 to 2015."
READ ALSO: Saints hope to derail Zig Zag in men's nines
READ ALSO: Returning players are a boost for Souths
READ ALSO: Lyons makes a splash at nationals
Black said her age group is "extremely competitive", so it has required plenty of hard work and dedication to firstly get picked in the Australia team and then prepare herself for the Trans Tasman series.
"We had a schedule we had to follow with training and basically we don't train as a team until we get up there. Once there we have two days of training and team cohesion, then we start playing on the Tuesday," she said.
"I've been fortunate I've had so much encouragement and support. Other than training at home on my own, I've done Believe Boot Camp who have helped me with information and equipment."
Amongst Black's biggest supporters are her Cougars team-mates. They are delighted that a club with just one second grade side now boasts an Australian representative.
"It's the most awesome thing on earth," proud Cougar Lynn Gottschau said.
"For a one-team club, yes we're lucky we have been very successful and now we have an Australian rep in our ranks, how good is that?
"It's a first for Cougars, but hopefully not the last. We'll be getting a few more players to hopefully go for selection next year, a few of the younger ones. Bathurst has got a lot of masters talent and our team is mostly masters now."
Want a discounted subscription to follow Bathurst sport this winter? Click here
The Trans Tasman series, which features masters teams from across the age groups, starts next Tuesday and runs over five days.
Black, who will line up in the midfield for Australia, is ready for the challenge.
"I believe there is a pretty good rivalry, that's what I've heard, I believe New Zealand are very strong," she said.
"I'm both excited and nervous, I think I will be less nervous once I'm there and have met people."