"Hockey - I couldn't live without it" I Anna Cook's story

Hockey and sport can be an outlet for many, providing an avenue to escape from the real world and compete with like-minded individuals who share a common goal.

Hockey as a sport is all-inclusive, and for Anna Cook, a current player with the Perth Pythons, Westside Wolves and WASPs it was vital for her life, as Anna began her transition.

Previously known as James, Anna had lived her life as a man, and in 2017 came to the revelation that something within herself was just not right.

“I knew something was not quite right within myself – I didn’t transition to be different, I transitioned to fit in, and I know I have accomplished that,” Anna said.

“For me I just wanted a normal life and I have that now.”

During her transition, Anna decided to part ways with hockey, the sport she cherished so much, with thoughts that she wouldn’t return.

“I took roughly a year off hockey and at the time thought I would probably not come back and could cope without it,” Anna said.

“Having that year off was a necessity and I had to do a lot of rebuilding.

“What generally happens when you are transitioning is that the person must completely tear down their life and start again.

“You have to find out what your position is in this world that you are creating for yourself and realign everything - I call it being out in the wilderness, you have to find yourself.”

The task of living without hockey proved to be an insurmountable hurdle, with Anna unable to live her life without the sport.

“Hockey is a core tenant of me, it's my life – everyone who knows me can’t imagine me not playing hockey.”

“Having all of my friends back, having the sport back in my life, was so important – looking back I think I was such a fool to ever feel as though I could live without it,” she laughed.

The Perth Pythons, WA’s only LGBTI+ hockey club, provides a space for many to fall in love with the sport of hockey, with Anna’s love of hockey rekindled through the club.

“Sport for the LGBTI+ community is a lot more important than most people think it would be,” Anna said.

“It’s a great space for like-minded people to be in a place where the LGBTI+ aspect isn’t the most important factor, hockey is the focus, it just so happens everyone is under that umbrella.”

Through the Pythons, Anna was able to progress to playing hockey in the winter season: “The Pythons provide such a comforting avenue for new players as they come to such a welcoming environment where they can learn the sport – many of our players have now shifted into other clubs to compete in the regular winter season, which is amazing to see.”

It did not come without its challenges, with Anna’s move to the winter season at times difficult, but she says she wouldn’t change a thing.

“It can be a bit of a difficult situation as not a lot of people are aware of the whole process,” Anna said.

“I remember people saying when I came back that “Oh you weren’t what I was expecting.”

“I said, “What do you mean by that” and they said, “I don’t know.”

“But the clubs I have been a part of have been absolutely fantastic and so welcoming throughout my journey – I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Reflecting on her journey, Anna now feels she is in the best position she can be: “I remember speaking to someone before transitioning and they asked where I want to see myself in five years.”

“I can honestly say I am in the position I want to be and hockey has been such a huge factor in that.

“I am continuing to play the sport I love most and create friendships. There are so many friends I have made and I am just mind blown – I still can’t believe it has happened.”

Anna's Perth Pythons and Westside Wolves, in partnership with Hockey WA and Hockey Australia, will be involved in a Pride Event on Sunday 12 June at Lemnos Field.

The day is set to deliver a heap of activations, fun, games and a Premier League double-header - find out more here.