Although a young man of few words, Harrison Sargeant is about to take to the world stage, named as the goal keeper for the under 19s Australian men’s floorball team to compete in the world qualifiers in New Zealand.
The 15 year old, who is in year 11 at Northam Senior High School will be heading to Melbourne for training before flying to Wellington to compete in the three-day tournament.
The training camp will be with the rest of the Australian team for team bonding and to discuss strategies.
If the team wins they will progress to the world championships in Canada.
The teenager has only been playing the sport since 2014 after being introduced by one of his teachers, Leith Woods, who has played the sport since 2005 and represented Australia.
Sargeant was selected to travel with the Australian under-19 Floorball team last year as a stand-in goalkeeper for the World Floorball Championships in Sweden but did not have any game time.
He said he is most looking forward to playing this time around.
“I wasn’t sure how I would go, getting named,” Sargeant said.
“There were three goalies who tired out and I reckon it would have been a pretty tight decision.”
Sargeant was fast asleep when the news of being named as part of the squad was released.
His twin brother was the one who found out via Facebook before the rest of the family before Sargeant’s parents told him the next morning.
Sargeant is nicknamed Houdini because of his fast reflexes and hand-eye coordination in the goals.
He said there can sometimes be a lot of pressure put on him because of his position in the team.
The keeper played cricket and hockey before taking up the sport but played on the field during his hockey days.
He gave up that sport to put his time into floorball but continues to play cricket in the summer.
His mum Stacey said she hopes to go over to New Zealand with her husband to watch their son.
“We drive to Perth three days a week so it would be nice to go and support him,” Mrs Sargeant said.
“It’s a great opportunity to be able to see your son represent Australia.”
Sargeant is not the only family member who has picked up the sport, his twin brother and his sister also play floorball.
His mum said it has been difficult celebrating Sargeant’s achievement yet be mindful of her other children who are still making their way up the ranks.
“I had to play it pretty cool,” she said.
Sareagent said he would like to thank his parents for their support and driving and his teacher Ms Woods for her coaching.
