Mike Hook from Ray White Takanini took some time out turf-side recently – coaching and supporting the Counties Senior Women’s Hockey team at the Senior New Zealand Hockey tournament. Run by New Zealand Hockey and hosted at the North Harbour Hockey stadium this national event was held from 7-12 September and saw 28 teams (approximately 448 competitors) support staff and spectators attending over the six days.
Passionate hockey player Mike Hook, a salesperson with Ray White Takanini, has played hockey himself since the age of 13 and started coaching whilst at Lincoln University, on a hockey sports scholarship. He now regularly coaches.
“Despite the girls defeat, the highlight from the event was definitely the first game where the girls were able to win against North Harbour who were the defending champs and had a huge reputation.” explains Mike. “The Counties girls had not all played together before and didn’t have the best lead up to the event, never having actually had the chance chance of training together, but despite this the girls put in a tremendous effort!”
When asked about how he manages the balance between hockey and his real estate career Mike admits it can be hard at times but says “I think it is a good way to refresh, recharge and also provides a wonderful opportunity to expand my horizons and promote my own brand at the same time as taking part and serving my community” he says. “There are many parallels between high performance sport and a career like real estate. They both require discipline, desire and ultimately is process driven not result driven so if the process is done correctly then the result takes care of itself.”
“The girls still had a great time at the tournament, they were disappointed with the result but still had moments of great hockey, … at the end of the day being able to encourage the girls to play their best and sharing my knowledge” is what it all comes down to. Ray White were well represented on the field as well with Anil Nathoo from Ray White Glenfield playing on the Counties Mens team – who came 3rd winning the bronze medal.