Chasing Olympic Dreams: Nathan Czinner's Lasallian Journey from Armidale to the Kookaburras Squad

Nathan Czinner, a proud alumnus of O'Connor Catholic College, Armidale, is making waves in the hockey world as he trains with the Kookaburras squad in Perth, preparing for the Paris Olympics. Born and raised in Armidale, Nathan's journey began on the astro-turf fields at SportUNE, the home of Hockey New England.

“I’ve been playing since I was eight. I always loved it, but it probably wasn’t until I made my first state team when I was twelve that I thought, ‘yeah, this is it for me,’” Nathan recalls in an interview with The New England Times. His passion for the sport grew as he watched elite players like the Kookaburras and the New South Wales state team, inspiring him to strive for greatness.

Nathan's dedication and hard work eventually led to his selection in the New South Wales Pride for the Australian “Hockey One” national competition, the pinnacle of domestic hockey in Australia. Hockey One features unique rules that add excitement for both players and spectators, including the opportunity to convert goals in a one-on-one with the goalie, leading to high-scoring games.

Not long after, Nathan’s journey to the international stage would begin with his selection for the U21 Australian World Cup team, where he represented Australia in Johor, Malaysia. “It’s an honour to represent Australia. It’s honestly one of the best feelings…you’re not just doing it for yourself, you’re doing it for the people who love you as well,” he says (The New England Times).

Today, Nathan is training with the Kookaburras, aiming to be one of the sixteen players selected for the Paris Olympics. “Some of the greats of the game like Eddie Ockenden are still going strong and playing at a high level, so you can’t just slide right in,” Nathan notes (The New England Times).

Nathan attributes much of his continued success to the values and education he received at O'Connor Catholic College, a Lasallian school known for its commitment to faith, innovation, and wellbeing. The supportive environment and strong community at O'Connor undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his character and determination.

O'Connor Catholic College, established in 1975 through the amalgamation of St Ursula’s College and De La Salle College, has a rich history of nurturing young talents. The College's motto, "The Fruit of the Spirit is Love," reflects its dedication to fostering a holistic education that emphasises personal growth and community spirit.

As Nathan continues to chase his Olympic dream, the entire Lasallian community at O'Connor Catholic College and beyond stands behind him, proud of his achievements and inspired by his journey. The Olympic Games commence on the 26th of July and will run until the 11th of August, with the Hockey One League resuming in October.

Nathan Czinner’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the supportive foundation of a Lasallian education. We wish him all the best as he strives to represent Australia on the world stage.