After a standout season with her Talent Academy squad, Sofie Goode reflects on a year of change, leadership, and personal growth. We caught up with the young captain to chat about team culture, her unexpected journey into leadership, and what it takes to succeed in a high-performance setup.
A Season of Rebuilding and Progress
Sofie explains how the squad turned things around after a tough previous season:
“At the end of last season, we weren’t happy with how it finished. It didn’t feel like a positive journey. But coming into this season, everything shifted. We had new coaches, a fresh squad, and a chance to start again.”
With a lot of senior players moving on, Phase 1 became about rebuilding team culture from the ground up.
“We worked hard to become a tight-knit group off the pitch, and that started to show in how we played. As we moved into the competitive phase, the quality just kept improving.”
Building Team Culture from the Inside Out
Team culture played a huge role in the team’s turnaround.
“When Rich joined as coach, he noticed the group was a bit divided. People stuck with their club mates. So we made a conscious effort to change that—team bonding days, meals out, just spending more time together.”
That shift in mindset made all the difference.
“We win as a team. We lose as a team.”
Becoming Captain: An Unexpected Honour
Taking on the captaincy came as a surprise.
“I was one of the younger ones and not the loudest voice, so I didn’t expect it at all. Speaking in front of the group was completely new to me.”
But she rose to the challenge.
“Over time, I’ve grown more confident in how I communicate and lead. It’s been such an honour. Watching the team grow and knowing I’ve helped make that happen feels amazing.”
Leading Through Tough Moments
Leadership hasn’t always been straightforward.
“Our final game against EG didn’t go our way. A year ago, I would’ve been really negative about it. Now I try to see those games as chances to learn.”
Her focus as captain is keeping the team grounded and positive, no matter the outcome.
“You’ve got to be honest, but still keep the energy up—especially when things aren’t going to plan.”
A Team That Lifts Each Other Up
For Sofie, the atmosphere in the group has been a highlight.
“As captain, I wanted to help create an environment where people actually enjoy turning up to training. And we’ve got that now. Thursdays are my favourite day—even though they’re tough, we always enjoy ourselves.”
That bond has helped them deal with pressure.
“There’s no negativity. Everyone’s pulling in the same direction and playing for each other, not just for themselves.”
Handling Pressure in Tournament Season
With national tournament games approaching, there’s pressure—but also belief.
“Selection time was intense. Training got a bit tense. But now that the squad’s been picked, there’s a real buzz. We’re nervous but excited. Everyone knows what we’re capable of.”
Reflecting on the Talent Academy Journey
Sofie’s been part of the Talent Academy since Year 9. She says it’s shaped her both as a player and a person.
“It’s completely changed how I think about hockey. Club hockey is often about winning that weekend. TA is about long-term development. It pushes you to grow every single week.”
Her biggest takeaway?
“You don’t need to be perfect every time. If you give everything you’ve got on the day, that’s enough. It’s about being consistent and doing your best for the team.”
Advice to Her Teammates
As they head into the tournament, Sofie’s message is clear:
“Believe in yourself. Back yourself, because I back you. You’ve earned this. Try to enjoy it and trust everything you’ve built together.”
Final Thoughts on Coaching Support
“The coaches have been brilliant. They’ve pushed us, but always in a really supportive way. They’ve played a huge part in our success this year.”
Sofie Goode shows that great leadership isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about consistency, care, and building a culture where everyone can grow and enjoy the journey.