KAREN KWOK

Are you trialling for a team this season? 

Yes, I will be trialling for RUX Elite and GB Women's Masters.

Are you a returning player? 

No, this will be the first time I've trialled for a different club team/division in a long time so I'm very excited and feeling very fortunate to have this opportunity.

How do you feel about being a returner?

I am enjoying the additional challenge of gaining understanding for a completely new team and division where I don't know a lot of the player base. As with any trial process, I try to ascertain what the team's values and goals are, how they intend to achieve these and their vision for the upcoming season and beyond. 

This is so I can figure out whether I would be a good fit for them, and vice versa, and if they would be able to support me working towards my own personal goals. 

How do you prepare mentally?

I ask myself how much I want to be a part of the team(s) I've applied to trial for and figure how much risk I'm willing to exercise at each trial. This varies depending on the level that I deem a team to be performing at and the players they are likely to attract to the same trial. 

I believe it's imperative to have a good insight and understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses going into each season - know what you're great at and find/create opportunities to showcase those skills during the trial(s). Be honest with yourself and ask if you've put in enough work in on weaker areas (we all have them) - even if it's not up to the standard you want, have you built enough confidence in your attempt of those skills? Don't necessarily shy away or avoid those elements at the trial(s) but having awareness and humility around those areas can positively distinguish you from others and indicate your potential to observers. 

Have a clear idea of what you bring to a team and be prepared to showcase yourself to them. Trials are not a test, re-frame it as an opportunity to showcase yourself and to learn from a specific team/group of people.

How do you prepare physically?

Personally, I think there is tremendous value in having a strength and conditioning coach/individualised training programme specific to Ultimate. I have been training with the same coach since 2021 and over the years he has learnt about my strengths and weaknesses, injuries and personal aspirations. 

We work collaboratively throughout the year to ensure I'm fit and healthy for whatever in- and off-season events I have scheduled. Outside of the gym, I reflect on my previous season's performance and attempt to dissect and identify areas that I want to focus and strengthen. Then it's a case of breaking down those elements and practicing them out on a pitch during the off season.