Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials, coaches, or anyone.
This week we caught up with Susan Hookway!
What club do you play for or coach?
I play for the one and only Croysutt Warriors!
How did you discover goalball?
About 9 months ago thanks to Lois Turner – it wasn’t enough for her to just get an old lady into VI cricket and gin drinking! Goalball is the best sport that she introduced me too though!
Is there a particular song, artist, or genre that you listen to before a tournament to get in the mood? Or anything you’re loving at the moment?
Well, the youngsters call it ‘granny music’ but I’m 36 so…! My favourite now is ‘Sweet Caroline’ by DJ Otzi. It gets the old heart rate going! I also love a bit of ‘Juliet’ or ‘Boys Do Fall in Love’ by Robin Gibb.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
I don’t other than wondering how many times I’m going to eat the ball as I still haven’t learnt to protect my face!
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
Chicken and vegetables or a cold porridge with coconut and jam on top which is nicer than it sounds!
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
Everyone at Croysutt Warriors although Lois Turner as she introduced me to a whole new life of sport (that I never knew existed for blind people). She amazes me at everything she does – her energy on the court, the way she defends and takes them balls no matter how hard they are. The way she trains between sessions, the way she helps others no matter their abilities. She will take the time and show you or tell you where you’re going wrong! People like her make me proud to be blind. She has taught me so much and I’m the most confident I’ve ever been. She inspires me and she keeps me fit because I’m not having a 24-year-old outrun me! She is an amazing all-around character, and it is a pleasure to have trained with her and watched her play. One day I’d love to be elite and able to play alongside her or against her!
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
I try to keep as fit as possible to maintain my recent 12-stone weight loss. In the last year, I have started VI cricket and VI tennis as well as going to the gym and running. I recently took part in the Metro Blind Sport Athletics Open and won 3 gold medals and 1 bronze medal and was named ‘Female of the Day. I’ve also just started going to spin classes and playing showdown. Basically, I’m always moving!
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
I’d go out of this world to another planet! I reckon there are little alien teams out there playing goalball! I’d like to go anywhere as I’ve never been out of the UK.
