Who knows if they will ever make a World Cup, but as their attempts are recognised by a few, commended by a couple, many Trinidadians are indifferent to the sacrifice these girls actually made to reach this far in competition. Or the continuous fight to play sports amidst school and family commitments. Perhaps if the critics met these girls and listened to their story they might be convinced that small steps are being made in national sports, especially in hockey, the all-time back burner sport to football and cricket.

The well-deserved captain of the team, aspiring forensic scientist Theresa Lezama, had never played on a national team before, always missing the opportunity to wear the national colours for one reason or the other. Nor had she ever been in charge of such a large group. However, although commanding her siblings around the house paled in comparison to a national hockey team, Lezama was very confident and optimistic about her designated task in Mexico. "I was elated when I was chosen for the team. As much as I want to pursue my degree in Forensic Science, I really want to be a part of the development of hockey in Trinidad and Tobago," she said. "I believe that I can make a difference in the sport, not only locally but in the Caribbean as well!" The skillful midfielder, who plays with Malvern, has certainly made advances in her sporting goals. She is a member of the Youth Hockey Council and hopes to continue her work in the TTHB in the near future. Like Lezama, many of the Under 21 girls are positive-minded. Win, lose or draw, the girls never doubted their abilities and they know that Rome wasn't built in a day.

Anastasia Netto, the gutsy goalkeeper, hates to lose. A recent awardee of a hockey scholarship from Central Michigan University in the States, Netto's dislike of defeat is due to the undefeated record of her home team Carib Magnolias in the domestic league. But this St Joseph Convent old girl understands that there is a lot of promise in her youth team. "We will become the best in our region in years to come - I can feel it," she insisted.

For veteran national player Tonya Marie James, nothing, not even partying, can get in the way of her hockey. From a "busshead" at a training session leading up to the tournament (just one of the many injuries she has sustained in battle on the field of play) to a social life which ultimately includes sticks, balls and hockey limes, she has no regrets about her choice of sport. "I love this game" is her simple confession. Alana Lewis, James' classmate at Lock Haven University, is pleased with the goal she scored in the team's tournament opener. Hockey has become as much a part of her as her head and hands. The two-time THB Player of the Year has a clean, clinical hockey style. She is an all-rounder and has her basics down pat. Perhaps that is why she is also a mainstay on both the national senior and junior teams.

Turn your attention now to 17-year-old Tracey Lee, who has a legacy of hockey players in her family (both parents and her younger sister), and Avion Ashton who held her first hockey stick at the tender age of eleven; evidence that hockey is a growing interest rather than a recent fad for these girls. 

But as much as the Under-21 team has an experienced cadre of members, there are a few rookies who are determined to prove their stickworthiness in this tournament and others to come. National football player turned hockey player Arielle Du Quesney never thought she would make a national hockey team - football perhaps, but not hockey. The spirited captain of Raiders hockey team was pleasantly surprised at her selection for the squad, but not as surprised as 15-year-old Bishop Anstey High School (Tobago) student Shonika Anthony. Hailing from Sou Sou Land in Tobago, the tall, strong defender is one of the less experienced players on the team. But what she lacks in experience she makes up for with skill. "Making the team was a dream come true for me. It's worth all my trips back and forth from Tobago!" exclaimed the Paradise Hockey Club defender.

So now that you have had a little background on the Under-21 girls team, maybe you will begin to follow their progress. You might want to take a trip to the Tacarigua Hockey Centre on a Sunday to catch a game where one of these girls might be shining, playing at their very best. In a matter of years the same fledgling sportswomen may be signing autographs after winning an Olympic medal. Most of us didn't know about Richard Thompson before he became "Torpedo" Thompson. Luckily, you have an opportunity to inspire, encourage and motivate these hockey princesses and be a part of their development in sport now, not after they achieve success.

Defeat should never be considered as the end of the road, but a stepping stone on the path to success. No matter the outcome of the Pan American Championships in Mexico, the T&T Under-21 girls hockey team are winners in their own right.