18 May 2022 | Story Jóhann Thormählen | Photo Ghana Hockey
Shindre-lee Simmons
Shindré-Lee Simmons made her debut for South Africa at the African Cup of Nations in January 2022.
She recently obtained her second degree from the University of the Free State (UFS), and now Shindré-Lee Simmons will graduate as a hockey player on the world’s biggest stage.

The UFS star not only made her South African debut and scored her first international goal in 2022 but will play in her first International Hockey Federation (FIH) World Cup.

Simmons, who started her Kovsie journey back in 2016, made the final cut for the South African women’s team for the tournament in Spain and the Netherlands in July 2022.

A few weeks later, the Proteas will compete in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. The games start at the end of July 2022.

Simmons is the second UFS women’s hockey player to represent South Africa at a World Cup this year. Saré Laubscher played in the Junior Women’s World Cup in Potchefstroom.

Opportunity to learn and grow

Simmons started playing for the UFS in her first year and captained the side for a few seasons.

In April 2021, she graduated with a Bachelor of Administration at the UFS and a few weeks ago with a Bachelor of Administration Honours.

Simmons, who is doing a Master of Administration, is excited about the World Cup.

“I’m always grateful for the opportunity, because it is an opportunity to learn and grow and to always better myself – for myself and for the team going forward,” she says.

“I am really keen for us as a South African women’s hockey team to be the best we can be, to grow and really get results.”

I’m always grateful for the opportunity, because it is an opportunity to learn and grow and to always better myself – for myself and for the team going forward. – Shindré-Lee Simmons

Good foundation

She became the 22nd UFS women’s hockey player to represent South Africa when she made her debut at the African Cup of Nations in January 2022. South Africa won a seventh consecutive African title in Ghana and secured a World Cup spot.

Simmons, who has five international caps, believes she can still improve a lot, but the tournament has laid a good foundation.

“My first Protea experience was super, super amazing. I enjoyed every moment,” she says.

“I learned a lot as an individual and I can also bring that back to Kovsies.”

The Proteas will get together for a training camp at the end of May 2022 to start their preparation.

“If everything goes according to schedule, we will be away for like seven weeks – this includes the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.”



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