Austin Smith About

Austin's 1st day of School

Austin started his hockey career at age five. Being the youngest of four children he was quickly shown what to do by his older siblings. His parents who played competitive hockey for a number of years in South Africa and England also played a role in developing Austin's love for the game. It was their philosophy of playing sport for fun which has made the biggest impact on Austin's playing career.

Austin grew up playing a number of sports, football and hockey however always seemed his two favourites.

It was at his Primary School in Cape Town, Pinelands North, where he was first introduced to top hockey. His coach at Pinelands, Murray Anderson, who was a current South African Hockey player, inspired Austin immensely. It was his coaching and encouragement which inspired Austin to focus on hockey.

He believed at age 12, Austin had what it took to be an International player one day...

When Austin started at Pinelands High School; (just down the road from his Primary School) he had already achieved success, having represented his Province at U13 level.

Austin at the U21 World Cup

His success continued throughout his years at High School, representing the National U16 and U18 teams twice, and became captain of both teams. He attributes a large amount of his achievement to one factor: "I was extremely lucky to have such dedicated coaches at both my Primary and High School. Michael McConnachie who spearheaded the hockey at the High School was my biggest mentor, and made me truly believe in myself."

In March of 2004 aged 18, Austin achieved his lifelong dream of representing his country at a senior level. "It was an incredible feeling walking onto the field to play my first match for South Africa, and it remains a special moment every time I wear the green and gold."

In 2005 Austin represented South Africa at the U21 World Cup in Rotterdam, Holland and in the same year he moved to the United Kingdom to join Reading Hockey Club. He enjoyed 4 seasons at Reading, winning the Premier League twice and making the final eight of the European League on consecutive occasions as well.

2008 was a defining year in Austin's hockey career. He achieved another childhood dream, attending an Olympic Games. Despite South Africa's final placing of 12th in Beijing, attending the Games was a truly special occasion. He was also South Africa's top goal scorer in Beijing scoring four goals. To finish off the year Austin was named South African Men's Hockey Player of the Year as well as Reading Hockey Club's Player of the Year.

Austin at the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony 2008

Austin after the World Cup Qualifier Tournament in Ghana 2009