by Nicholas Duck

Some people wouldn't think having balls pelted at them is a great way to keep fit and have fun. Those people aren't Regan Smith.

The local 17-year-old hockey goalkeeper had the opportunity to take her talents overseas after playing for the under 21 Australian Country Hockey Team in Malaysia and Thailand last month.
As a representative of rural players across the county, Regan had the chance to show that country kids can play just as well as their metro counterparts by taking on some of the best overseas.
The year 12 student was not initially selected in the team, but after another player pulled out the chance of a lifetime arose.
Bairnsdale resident Michael Nelson, who heads up the Australian Country program, contacted Regan with the good news.
"He ended up calling me and saying 'yep, you're in the team, you're going to Malaysia and Thailand. By the way, your number is 18. Do you have any questions?'," Regan said.
"I was surprised. It didn't sink in until literally the night before I left. It didn't fully sink in that I'm representing Australia, specifically the regional side and our talent, overseas to a bunch of countries that are really good at hockey until three hours before we got to the airport."
As one of only three members of the team under the age of 18 there were plenty of nerves for Regan. Those only intensified when her fellow goalkeeper was delayed due to passport issues, leaving Regan as the one and only keeper in the side.
There wasn't much time for nerves, however.
A short two hour training session was all the team had before they were quickly ushered onto the field for their first match, leaving Regan with plenty to consider.
"So it was a new environment, first time ever going overseas to play hockey, it was above 30 in the first game with humidity, a brand new team with girls I've never met that were older than me against a team that have trained together and played together for ages. It was a bit crazy."
Given they were taking on Thailand's national development women's team, the faster pace of the higher level took some adjusting to. As a goalkeeper, Regan felt just how good the Thai players could be on offence - literally.
Score-wise the first match could have gone better, but as the team continued to play together their chemistry clicked, and soon Regan found herself feeling at home.
The results also reflected this as the team got on the board with a 10-0 win in Malaysia.
"It was fine. The team listened which I like. I love it when a team can listen to me and I can focus on the ball and only the ball," Regan said.
"I was just happy with how I played given the circumstances of how it was a new place, new weather, new team and against really strong teams as well."
Regan is now focusing on her year 12 studies as she hopes to head to a US college while continuing to play hockey.
As the daughter of a goalkeeper, she's especially proud to be carrying on her mum's legacy - despite the intensity of having the ball pelted straight at her.
She recalled her first experience as a keeper being put in front of a men's team to give it a proper go as they all shot for goal. She was immediately in love.
"It doesn't sound right, sounds a bit psychopathic if I'm being honest, a bit like a lunatic."
She's also hoping to carry on the legacy of her many mentors, including her past coach Annie Anderson, who died in a car accident.
"She liked to talk to us about how we all have a tool kit. She taught me a bunch of stuff that I have in my tool kit and I'm still adding stuff to my tool kit," she said. "I have a little sticker on my gear that says 'do it for Annie.'"