Asha Turner - Junior Club Captain

Meet Asha, the Western Junior Club Captain

We're so incredibly lucky to have Asha back in control here at Western! Yet another ex-president, Asha has found her way back to the committee recently with her place running the Junior committee last year. Always one to bring smiles and a sense of fun and excitement to the youth teams she coaches and umpires, you'll recognise her via the costumes she'll consistently adorn whenever there's a Western event on. Asha knows exactly what's required to make things happen here at Western, so we're incredibly lucky that she's back!

We asked Asha a couple of questions to help you get to know her a little better. Read on to learn about this incredible Westie!

Could you give us a short description of your history here at Western?

I joined Western about 20 years ago when a colleague from work encouraged me to come along to trials. I instantly felt part of the Western hockey family and it didn’t take long before I started getting more involved in club life. From Team Manager, to Cafe Manager and Summer Hockey co-ordinator, and on to Women’s Club Captain and Club President, I have loved being part of the community. I took a little break from hockey due to family commitments but returned to play at Western about four years ago, when my son (Arun) was subtly encouraged to also come and play hockey (instead of football!). Again, it didn’t take long before I was coaching/ managing my son’s Junior team, running the Junior/ Youth sub-committee and re-starting Junior Summer Hockey at the club. This year, I have re-joined the Western committee and taken on the role of Junior Club Captain

What made you want to take on the role you’re in? What causes or issues are you most passionate about?

I wanted to take on the role of Junior Club Captain to continue to develop our Junior and Youth community at the club. I’m passionate about supporting Junior player growth and development all while having a few laughs and a lot of fun!

What goals do you want to see reached this season, or taken further with your involvement?

I want to see Western continue to grow as a club. I would love to see more Junior and Youth players join our Western community

What is something you’d like our community at Western to know about the club?

I want the Western community to know that we have an amazing, passionate group of volunteers that are the backbone of our club. Put simply, our club wouldn’t exist without them. The club is always looking for new ideas and new volunteers, so if you have been thinking about helping out, we’d love to hear from you

What’s something you’re personally really proud of that you’ve achieved at the club?

Although I’ve taken on a number of different roles at Western, I’m most proud of my development as a coach. I was a bit apprehensive taking on the role four years ago as I’d never coached before, but it has been a rewarding experience. It’s been great to see the Junior players develop from 5 year olds who didn’t know how to hold a hockey stick, to 9 and 10 year olds who play a great game of hockey and have a fun (and winning) team spirit!

Thanks so much for all your time, Asha!