As the final buzzer sounded after a resounding 3-0 win over Vélez Sarsfield on Saturday, the Banco Provincia women’s field hockey team began its celebrations. Surrounding one of their teammates, arguably the player of the match, they sang “Liliana, na na na na” to the tune of the popular Argentine chant during the World Cup in Qatar. But the player they were cheering doesn’t go by Liliana, and she’d been living in Argentina for only a month.

The player’s name is Lily Owsley, and after winning gold and bronze medals for Great Britain at the Olympics in Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2020), respectively, she recently made the move to South America to continue her field hockey career.

Last week, she spoke to the Herald about why she decided to play in Argentina and how she’s adjusting to life in a new country

“I wanted to challenge myself in a different environment,” she said. “Hockey here is very different, so I thought this would be a good change.”

According to Owsley, the decision was borne of a conversation she had with Las Leonas striker Delfina Merino, who had heard she was looking for a change of scenery after 12 years of competing in the UK and the Netherlands.

“For me, it was a no-brainer,” explained Owsley, who acknowledged she was excited about the prospect of living in Buenos Aires.

“Banco Provincia is a very family-oriented club,” she continued. “All my teammates and their families have opened their hearts to me, and that has been the most special thing about coming here.”

However, the move hasn’t been without challenges. After an entire career on the European continent, Owsley admitted that it took her a bit to adjust to Buenos Aires’ dinner hours and practices that could run as late as 11 p.m.

Language was another barrier to be cleared. Despite speaking Spanish at a respectable level, she has struggled with the Argentine accent and the slang that permeates every facet of daily life in the country. 

“I think I’m picking up more and more of it as we go, but it is certainly difficult,” she said.

The particulars of the Buenos Aires Hockey Association have also presented a challenge, albeit one for which Owsley was much more prepared. In her telling, the Argentines are more individually talented than the players in Europe — something she witnessed firsthand when facing Las Leonas in international competitions. “Like everyone, I would love to play like Luciana Aymar,” she said as she detailed her on-pitch rivalry with another Leona, the defender Eugenia Trichinetti.

 “If you want to improve, you have to show that you can fit into different styles,” Owsley continued. “I’m not used to [the Argentine style], and I’m working every day to try and adjust and pick up some of the amazing skills some of the girls have here.”

Despite knowing only a handful of people when she first arrived in Buenos Aires, Owsley has been quick to make new friends, which she attributes to a willingness to embrace every new experience the city throws her way. “I want to adjust to the way Argentines do things,” she said. ”They put 110% of their heart into everything they do. That’s probably my favorite aspect of Argentine culture, the passion.”

Owsley has finally adjusted to the 10:30 p.m. dinners, although she is still reprimanded for holding onto the mate for too long. Just don’t tell her that she’s here on holiday.

“I’m the most competitive person I know,” she said. “I’m addicted to winning.”

As of this writing, Banco Provincia sits seventh in the standings, one point shy of a playoff spot, and Owsley is determined to see her club compete for a championship trophy. Fortunately for her, she’s found a team — and a culture — where she’s able to thrive.

“The feeling of community is important to playing well and winning games,” she said. “I’ve only been here for three weeks, and I already feel at home. I feel accepted and I feel like I belong, so for me, the team [has been the best part].”

“That and the dulce de leche.”

All pictures taken by Mariano Fuchila