BDG
ABOUT BIANCA
When it all started.
Funny enough, I started my hockey career as a striker. While on the attack, I became quite intrigued with with the art of defence. I decided to give it a go, and little did I know how this choice was going to change my life.
2016
After getting the ropes of being a goalkeeper, I discovered my passion for this defensive role, I worked as hard as any 12 year-old could and claimed my title as De Hoop's first team goalie in 2019. I was coached by Jade Main, an ex-player for the South African woman's team.
With my trustworthy team, we placed 3rd at Top Schools.
During this year, I was also awarded with provincial colours and played for the Western Province. We came 3rd in our league.
I played for the Foxes u/13 A team in the Pro Series Indoor (PSI) Tournament.
2019 gave me a taste of success, and I was hungry for more.
I started private goalkeeper training with William Everleigh, a previous SA goalkeeper. He continued coaching throughout the oncoming years.
2019
2020
High School brought the opportunity to be seen, and I knew Bloemhof High School was my perfect match. They saw my talent and dedication, and before I knew it, I played for the u/16 A team while only being 14 years old.
This opportunity was short lived due to Covid-19, but while respecting the regulations, I continued with my own personal training. I worked hard on my skills and fitness, and watched videos of the legends before me.
To my luck, CPL was created. CPL is a hockey tournament that gives WP and Boland children the opportunity to play as one. There are six teams, and I was fortunate to play for the Heat, coached by Michael Gildenhuys.
The Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, and I finally got the chance to perform in the u/16 A team lead by Coach Ilse Davids. I was proud to accept an OBO and Planet Hockey Sponsorship.
After this, I was asked to play for the Bloemhof Old Girls against Bloemhof's first team of 2021. It was a great experience to learn form my seniors and form connections.
At the end of 2021, we played in the u/17 Top Schools Tournament, and we came 8th. It was a big achievement for me and my team, considering the strength of the schools that we went up against.
Once again, I played for the Foxes u/16 A team in the PSI tournament. I was coached by Stephanie Botha, a current player for the South African Woman's team.
2021
The year I made 1st team, coached by Jenny King. This has always been one of my biggest dreams and one of my proudest accomplishments. I had the opportunity to train with the u/21 SA goalkeeper, Mishka Ellis.
In April, we were invited to attend the St Marys Waverly Hockey Tournament. We placed 7th amongst 32 schools. Bloemhof has never received a position in the top 8. This is when we knew that our team will be making history.
At the end of the year, we came 2nd in the Rising Champs Tournament.
In addition to this, I made the Boland Regional team and I played for the u/18's at CPL, while only being 16.
Of course, I had to play some indoor hockey. I made the Foxes u/18 A team, coached by Carl Cooper, and had a great tournament. This lead to the University of Cape Town inviting me to play for their indoor second team.
2022
And there we were, playing for the 1st team for the second year.
We competed in the All Girls Tournament in Bloemfontein, where we finished 6th.
We then returned to St Mary’s, which proved to be a valuable learning experience for both me and the team. We took the lessons we had learned, worked hard, and continued to grow. I was incredibly proud that my team and I qualified for Top Schools, where we competed against 12 of the best school hockey teams in South Africa. We gave it everything we had and put into practice everything we had worked so hard for.
On a personal level, I was once again selected for the Boland Regional team and also had the opportunity to compete in the CPL.
2023
My final year playing for the Bloemhof Girls’ High School 1st team marked my fourth and final season, and I had the privilege of serving as vice captain. It became one of my favourite and most memorable seasons of my high school career.
One of the highlights came at the prestigious St Mary’s Festival, where I was awarded Goalkeeper of the Tournament while competing against some of the best school hockey teams in the country.
Midway through the season, I represented the Boland U18A team. The hard work, determination and grit paid off when I was selected for the South African U18B team and received my South African colours, an achievement I was incredibly proud of.
As we approached the end of the season, my Bloemhof team and I once again qualified for the Top 12 Tournament, giving us the opportunity to compete among the best teams in South Africa.
I ended my high school hockey journey having earned 150 caps for the Bloemhof 1st team. Looking back on the four years, the tournaments, the challenges, the friendships and the memories, it was a journey I would not exchange for anything in the world.
2024
This season was one of the most challenging yet rewarding of my hockey career. Stepping into university and senior level hockey brought success, disappointment, growth and a completely new perspective on the sport I loved.
I represented Vics at Stellenbosch University, where I formed incredible friendships and found myself falling in love with hockey all over again.
I represented the Western Province U21 team at IPT in Pretoria, where we earned a silver medal and I conceded only one goal throughout the tournament. Later in the year, I represented the Western Province Disas at Senior IPT, where we also brought home silver.
I ended the season by receiving the Most Valuable Player award at Maties. After a year of challenges, growth and rediscovering my love for the game, it was an incredibly special way to finish the season.
2025
Going into this season, my goal was simple: to truly enjoy what I did and remember why I played. That showed in my game, as I stepped onto the field each time with a smile on my face.
Weeks of off season and preseason preparation paid off as I once again represented the Victorians at Stellenbosch University. Throughout the season, I genuinely enjoyed every opportunity to play and continued to grow both as a goalkeeper and a person.
Towards the end of the season, I once again represented the Western Province U21 team on the big stage. This time, I achieved a personal milestone by conceding zero goals throughout the entire tournament.
Looking back, I cannot help but smile. I finished this season rich in memories, friendships, experience and an even greater love for the game.
I cannot wait to see what the future holds and where the game will take me next, as I continue to showcase my talent and, most importantly, my love for hockey.
2026
I have always admired the Netherland and Argentina teams. It would be a great privilege to be apart something similar one day.
I want to inspire others like how I am inspired by the legends of today.