Wolverines' attacking midfielder Pauline Ochieng is keen to make the cut in the final squad to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham despite the stiff competition for places in the women's national hockey team.
The 26-year-old is among the 30-member provisional squad that started residential training camp on Monday at Moi Stadium, Kasarani under the National Olympic Committee of Kenya.
This being her maiden call-up and the only player from Wolverines, Ochieng faces the biggest challenge of her career in ousting out household names in the specialty with only 18 players expected to make the final squad.
Ochieng will have to beat competition from among others captain Rhoda Kuira, Caroline Guchu and experienced Strathmore Scorpions attacker Gilly Okumu.
Eleanor Chebet, Maureen Okumu and Maureen Owiti, as well as Naomi Kemunto, are also in the mix.
The quintet was part of the Kenya team to the African Nations Championship in January, Ghana. "I know they have the experience but my passion will make me go places," popped up Pauline.
The Kisumu Girls alumnus was named Most Valuable Player in the Super League 2019.
She was also feted as the Super League Player of the Year by hockey KE in 2020, endearing herself to the fans with her displays.
"It is an honor to be selected and I'll give my all in training in a bid to improve my game and take it to the next level because am not the finished article yet.
I am taking the advantage of training with better players to build myself.
"The former University of Nairobi UON team captain added:" I want to get my basics to bang on and enhance my fitness. So far so good, the sky is my limit.
