Introducing Jaclyn Capazario, a remarkable individual who embodies the perfect balance between professional excellence, athletic dedication, and family life.

As a South African Masters Hockey player, parent, and Access World Commercial Executive, Jaclyn demonstrates an unwavering passion for each role. In this interview, she shares her journey from mini hockey to the Masters Hockey World Cup, discusses the preparation and camaraderie within the team, and expresses the significance of representing both the national flag and Access World on a global stage. Join us as we delve into Jaclyn’s inspiring story and what it means to bring together sport, family, and professional success.

What motivates you to remain a professional player, parent, and Access World Commercial Executive?

Maintaining a balance between my role as a SA Masters Hockey player, a parent, and a commercial executive is not easy; however, it is driven by my passion and determination in each area. In the world of hockey, the love for the sport and the desire to excel keep my spirit vibrant and motivated. As a parent, the joy of encouraging and watching my daughter grow into her unique potential inspires me daily. I believe that what you learn in sport carries through to every aspect of your life. In my professional career, pursuing new challenges and achieving set goals provides a continuous sense of accomplishment, and each aspect of life motivates the other, helping me bring my best self forward in every role.

What has your journey been in terms of preparation as a player and as a team?

Hockey has played a significant part in my life, and my World Cup journey goes as far back as starting mini hockey at the age of 6 and playing in my backyard with my siblings on weekends. Having participated in many different sports over the years, I’ve always felt a natural attraction to hockey because of the camaraderie and team spirit it fosters. Our team preparation has been both rigorous and rewarding, beginning with a highly competitive selection process, where we faced numerous trials and tournaments across the country. Each event was a test of our skills, teamwork, and resilience, pushing us to our limits as we aimed for a spot on the team. Once selected, we embarked on an intensive training regimen with camps held across South Africa. These camps were pivotal, allowing us to bond as a team and refine our strategies. We engaged in various drills and challenges designed to enhance our individual skills while reinforcing the importance of team dynamics. The commitment and hard work we’ve all put in during the preparation have not only sharpened our skills but also created a strong team spirit that we carry with us into the upcoming Masters Hockey World Cup.

With Access World being one of the sponsors of the tournament, what does it mean to bring together the national flag and Access World logo?

Having Access World as one of the team’s sponsors is incredibly meaningful for me, as it symbolises the powerful synergy between our national pride and the spirit of collaboration with esteemed brands. Bringing the national flag together with the Access World brand represents a unique partnership that highlights our shared values of excellence, dedication, and community support. As athletes, we play not only for ourselves but also for our country, and being able to showcase our national colours alongside a respected international brand like Access World amplifies that pride. It emphasises our commitment to promoting sport, fostering a supportive teamwork culture, and inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams.

In your own words, invite people to join the tournament. Tell us about the venue, dates, tickets, etc:

I would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to Access World to join me on this incredible journey towards gold. The upcoming Masters Hockey World Cup will take place in the beautiful city of Cape Town from 12th to 21st October 2024, and we are excited to host 33 countries from around the world at the prestigious Western Province Cricket Club and Hartleyvale Hockey Stadiums. Tickets are free for all South African citizens to create an inspiring atmosphere that highlights the importance of supporting our athletes and showcasing the incredible talent represented by each participating nation on home turf.

Our current pool fixtures include matches against Ireland, Australia, and Argentina – these are our qualifying games – and depending on the results, they will be followed by semi-finals and finals with those qualifying from other pools. This is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of teamwork and the spirit of hockey on a global stage. All games will be live-streamed on YouTube and the SA Masters Hockey website as well.

Thank you to Access World for the incredible support so far in making our Masters Hockey World Cup one to remember!