Kate accepts national role
KATE Lutkins has joined a select group chosen to captain her country.
Lutkins was named Australian women's futsal captain for the Pacific Cup in San Francisco in October.
"We had a group training in Brisbane last week and the coach announced it to the team," said the former Ipswich Girls' Grammar School student.
"It was a surprise.
"It's a fairly good team with some good leaders and good players.
"It's a pretty big honour.
"I was pretty stoked. Hopefully I can live up to expectations."
If she does, Lutkins has real prospects of leading Australia to the next futsal World Cup.
That World Cup is scheduled for Colombia next year, though is still to be confirmed.
Lutkins has captaincy experience, leading the undefeated Yeronga Devils Aussie Rules team - her number one winter priority.
"That's what I'm working towards at the moment," Lutkins said.
"We've got the last round this weekend and finals next week."
She has represented Queensland at Aussie Rules and also plays outdoor football and social futsal in winter, with the serious futsal competition in summer.
It makes for a hectic existence, but there is no other way the 24-year-old animal technician at the University of Queensland would prefer it.
Lutkins is unlikely to be weighed down by any burden of responsibility as Australian futsal captain.
"Not much," she said when asked of the job requirements.
"Just be a bit more of a voice on the team. Gee the girls up and stop them running amok."
At this stage there is not much more she can do, as her opponents in the Pacific Cup are as yet unknown.
"I don't know the standard of futsal over there," she said.
"But we're a fairly strong team and our training sessions are coming along well.
"I'd like us to perform really well at the Pacific Cup and come away with a position finish."
Australia finished sixth at the previous futsal world cup, in Spain in 2008.
Lutkins believes they should have finished fourth and is confident they can improve for next year's edition.
"Fingers crossed I hope it stays in Colombia," she said.
"I've got the travelling bug so experiencing the culture there would be amazing.
"Hopefully we finish higher than sixth.
"It's definitely possible."
Star profile
Kate Lutkins
Biggest inspiration: My mum. She's the one who's paid for everything. She drove me everywhere and spent God knows how much money.
Best advice: You only get out what you put in.
Favourite TV show: Dexter or Grey's Anatomy.
Favourite meal: Spaghetti bolognese.
Pre-match routine: I'm pretty relaxed before big games, even if it's finals. I might have a quiet moment to myself, thinking about what I've got to do.
