Southern Storm striker Michelle Borren planned to spend the next two weeks studying but will be trying to slot goals for her team instead.
The 18-year-old Wellingtonian moved to Dunedin this year to attend the University of Otago.
She is planning a career in physiotherapy and thought it would be wise to skip the National Hockey League season, which gets under way in Auckland today.
But when the crunch came, the feisty sniper could not face missing out.
Borren hails from a well-known hockey family.
Uncle Thur Borren won a gold medal at the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976 when the New Zealand team stunned Australia 1-0 in the final to claim the glory.
Another uncle, Jan Borren, played for and coached the Black Sticks.
With a pedigree like that, it is no wonder the turf seemed more appealing than trawling through reference books and sweating over assignments.
"I had the season with the uni team and it just didn't feel like enough. I just wanted more," she said.
After being convinced she could study between matches, Borren made a late decision to join the campaign.
Borren first grabbed a stick when she was about 7 years old and fell in love with the sport.
"I guess it runs in the blood. Dad [Frank] has always put me up for it."
Borren's cousin Hugo Borren [Thur's son] plays for the Southern Men and hockey really is a "family thing".
Thur's achievement is a proud part of the family history and Borren got to hold his gold medal.
"It's pretty impressive. He doesn't talk about it but he'll give it to people to have a look at."
Earlier this year, Borren made the New Zealand University Games team but is more focused on her studies than hockey.
"I think choosing to come here [University of Otago] was a decision to choose a career rather than hockey but I'll work hard while I'm here."
The Storm plans to play an attacking brand of hockey this season and has set itself the goal of scoring more goals.
Exciting Australian striker Claire Messent and midfielder Stacia Joseph join the squad this year.
Messent has made four appearances for her country and is highly regarded.
Marlborough defender Sara Scott (26) also joins the Storm.
Captain Vicky Clarke returns for another season.
The experienced player will head up a solid-looking defensive end. Southern finished seventh last year after beating Auckland in its final match.
The top four looks a stretch for what is a relatively inexperienced side, but coach Mark Smithells has set his team the challenge of improving on last season and starting well against Midlands today.
