In our regular anything goes Q&A, we speak to players and coaches on topics ranging from temptations, influences, fashion sense and match teas. This week: Spain women’s Maria Lopez
In association with Gryphon
What was your earliest ambition? To play hockey at the highest level with the Spanish national team
The event that altered the course of your life and character…
The under-16 European Cup in Valencia, when we got second position behind the Netherlands. I realised that I wanted to play those kind of tournaments and achieve my dream, to participate in an Olympic Games
You wouldn’t know it, but I’m very good at … building tiny wooden houses
The book that means the most to you? The Kite Runner
The film you can watch time and time again (and why) … Because Primos. It’s a Spanish comedy movie.
What do you do to relax or get away from hockey? If I can, I like to discover new cities, I like going to the beach, going out with my friends, to go shopping, to read, to see series and movies.
Do you have a job outside of hockey? Yes, I work in the Marketing Department of the Royal Spanish Hockey Federation
I wish I had never worn… a kind of curls made by me in the hair
The biggest temptation you wish you could resist is… chocolate
What would be your priorities if you were invisible leader of your country for a day?
To try to reach an agreement to have a health and education plan that does not change every time a political party changes
And if you were the FIH chief for a day?
I would work to promote hockey in every country and I would try to build new pitches where it’s necessary
The person who has influenced you most in hockey and why… I don’t have a person who has influenced me most in hockey. I think my family with their support were who have influenced me
What has been your happiest moment? The Olympic games 2016 and the bronze medal in London 2018
What would you change about hockey for the better? Get rid of the “final four” in the Spanish domestic league
What is the biggest talking point in hockey we need to know about?
A Pro League with the best teams in the ranking with a qualification tournament. Keep the hockey rules like they are… no more changes to make it easier to follow for old and new fans
What is your best coaching tip for aspiring players? Enjoy every moment and take care of the friends you do in hockey
The prized possession you value above all others is.. World Cup bronze medal
What drives you on? The enjoyment of playing hockey and the challenge to competing in the highest level of hockey, participating in World Cups, Olympic Games: reaching new goals and skill improvement
What stick do you use? Gryphon T-Bone
