As we inch ever closer to the start of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 season on 9 December, we are excited to bring you an exclusive pre-season interview series with players and coaches from the world’s top hockey nations participating in the “League of the Best”.
This series will dive into the minds of the sport’s finest athletes and coaches, uncovering their thoughts on the upcoming season, personal goals, and the strategies their teams are crafting to compete at the highest level. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these interviews provide a unique glimpse into the passion, preparation, and drive that fuel the teams vying for glory.
In today’s interview we speak with Fernando Ferrara, coach of the Argentina women’s hockey team...
How did you prepare for the new Pro League season?
Very well, actually. We had a break after the Pan American Cup, following a tough first half of the year. But anyway, it all ended very well. We came out champions in Montevideo. After the break, we kicked off the second half of the year with a trip to the United States, which allowed us to play international matches while pacing ourselves in training. Upon returning from the United States, we continued our preparation, and I think we're in a very good place and in good shape at the moment.
What are the goals for this first Pro League series?
We are going to try to be our best in this international competition and try to bring what we have been training to the field. We will focus on our game system, the details we have been improving on offense, defense, and on corner attacks and defense as well. We know that each team arrives in a different condition, so we are going to take the most out of the competition to show what the girls can do, gather information, and finish as high as possible.
This new season kicks off at home with the Argentine crowd. Is that a difference?
The Argentine crowd is always cheering us on, and that's a key factor. I'd like to take this opportunity to invite all fans to Santiago del Estero because it will be the first Pro League series, but also the last one in Argentina before the World Cup, so fans will have the chance to see Las Leonas in Argentina. Their support is very important to us and we hope to see everyone in Santiago del Estero.
