Gold for WC high school head coach contributes to provincial hockey victory

REDDAM House Constantia executive head Alex Gitlin, has returned from the ‘Western Cape Masters inter-provincial hockey tournament with a gold medal, having helped take the provincial side to an unbeaten run of five consecutive victories in the national tournament held this month.

- STAFF REPORTER

The Western Cape side delivered an outstanding display of teamwork and resilience, with Gitlin describing the final as “more of a challenge than expected,” yet ultimately secured through hard work, adaptability, and cohesion on the field.

This gold medal is more than just a personal milestone. It reflects Gitlin’s longstanding belief that sport and leadership go hand in hand, and that personal excellence outside the classroom enriches one’s impact inside it.

Gitlin, who also coaches Reddam House Constantia’s first team boys’ hockey, has built a school culture that values balance, integrity and ambition. “Playing hockey is my space, where I can be removed from other responsibilities; a space that challenges me to stay fit and present,” he says. “It also allows me to model what I ask of my students: to show up, stay prepared, and keep learning.”

Originally from the UK, Gitlin studied at the Universities of Nottingham and Cambridge before launching his teaching career. After relocating to South Africa, he held senior leadership roles in schools across Johannesburg and White River before joining Reddam House Constantia. He credits his sporting background — including school-level rugby, hockey and athletics - for shaping his collaborative, team-based approach to leadership.