Player Profile: Jordan Paulsen (Wynberg Boys High)
Captain Jordan Paulsen has signalled his intention to complete his Wynberg Boys’ High career on a high note as his side prepares to play its three southern suburb rivals in the coming weeks.
On Friday, Wynberg faces Bishops Diocesan College at the Astro of Dreams. Next week, they tackle Rondebosch Boys High. Then, in the third week of August, they’ll square up against South African College High School (SACS) at the Brewery in their season finale.
The Supera Moras boys, under the guidance of coaches Ben Wiley and Devin Stanton, and led by Paulsen, have produced some strong results this season.
They began their campaign brightly, picking up some commendable wins during the pre-season before thrashing Curro Durbanville and Paarl Boys’ High. They also shared a 2-2 draw with high-flying Grey High School.
They started the Western Province league with an impressive run of victories but were then beaten by the top two teams in the country, Paul Roos and SACS, in the latter stages of term two.
Last month, though, they shocked Paarl Gimnasium 4-2 on their home turf with Paulsen, Seth Trantraal, Zach Gibbon, and Dayyaan Brown getting on the score sheet.
They’ll enter this week’s clash against Bishops with their sights set on avenging a 0-3 defeat when they met for a first time in April.
Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus ahead of the clash, Paulsen said he and his team-mates will have to stick to their structures and operate as a unit if they are to get one over their rivals.
“Bishops have incredible players, some of which were my teammates for both Western Province and SA u18,” Paulsen told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“Last time out, they were just better than us in all areas of the game and we could not adapt fast enough.
“To beat Bishops, we need to play as a team. I believe we are good enough to execute the gameplan the coach has laid out for us. We must trust and implement their plan on the field, and then I believe we can be the best version of our team.”
In June, Paulsen was part of the Western Province u18A team that retained the SASHOC National Week title in Bloemfontein.
He played a pivotal role for his provincial side, scoring at crucial times, with his outstanding performances earning him a place in the SA Schools U18A side.
“Personally, this has been one of the best seasons for me,” he said.
“I had set goals for myself at the start of this year, and I am ticking the boxes one by one. Being selected as the captain of Wynberg Boys’ High was an absolute honour and being a leader is something I always strive to be.
“On top of that, I got selected for WP u18A, which has been a long-term goal of mine. Being selected for the SA u18A team was just unbelievable.
“I worked incredibly hard to be there, even overcoming a serious injury in the build-up to the IPTs.
“So, without a doubt, my highlights this year are winning IPTs with Western Province, making SA U18A, and being selected as captain of Wynberg Boys’ High School.”
Paulsen, who started his hockey career as a nine-year-old, playing on grass at Wynberg Junior, said it’s been an honour to represent the school for practically his whole hockey-playing career.
After making his first team debut towards the end of the 2022 season against Worcester Gimnasium, he became a regular fixture in the team.
He’s been described as a hard worker, and as a humble lad, who is willing to go the extra mile for his team.
Ahead of his final games in Wynberg’s colours, he credited his family and coaches, who have guided him through many ups and downs on and off the turf.
“Off the turf, all credit goes to my mother and father,” Paulsen said.
“They have done more than I could even think of, from paying endless amounts of money to go to tournaments, to supporting me unconditionally through my hardships.
“All my achievements are their achievements as well because without them I would not be where I am today.
“On the field, Mr Devin Stanton has played a big role in me getting to where I am. I have learned so much from him, more than I could have ever imagined. He put his faith in me and believed in me and that has gone a long way. Even when I didn’t believe in myself, he reminded me why I play and love the game of hockey.
“Mr Ben Wiley has done just as much. Being coached by him has been transformative. I feel that both have improved my hockey so much and made me a better player. They have made me enjoy hockey more than I ever have before.”
Paulsen intends to continue playing hockey after he matriculates from Wynberg at the end of the year. All of his focus, though, is on the three massive matches that lie ahead.
“I’m looking forward to playing these derby games for the very last time.
“I have been playing these schools for more than 10 years, so to play them for the last time is very emotional, but exciting.
“I would like to end this season off by winning as many games as possible. Ending it off with wins would be the best way to complete my schoolboy career,” he concluded.
The push-back in the match between Wynberg Boys’ High and Bishops is at 18:30
Catch it LIVE on SuperSport Schools.
