Australia’s double Olympic gold medallist Katrina Powell will bring a coaching style “of athlete wellbeing but high expectation and discipline” after being charged with turning round the Hockeyroos’ fortunes ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
Powell’s appointment will see her take charge of Australia women from now to the end of the Tokyo Games after becoming the first female coach to oversee the team in 40 years (since Colleen Quinn in 1978).
Powell is currently head coach of the New South Wales Institute of Sport’s (NSWIS) women’s hockey programme.
“It is a really quick turnaround to the Olympics and I am well aware of that but I am so excited by the opportunity that is in front of me,” said Powell.
“My objective is not to overhaul the hard work that has already been done. I am keen to bring in a fresh set of eyes, ideas and approach that will help this team be successful.
“My coaching style is one of athlete wellbeing but high expectation and discipline. We are going to work really hard with the athletes about building a purpose and having a strong way of play.”
Following a decorated playing career which included 252 games and 141 goals for the Hockeyroos, Powell has been in various coaching roles since 2005 and will take up the mantle in Perth on April 6.
“We are delighted to have appointed Katrina to take the Hockeyroos through what is a crucial and exciting period,” said Hockey Australia president Mel Woosnam.
“The past months have been a challenging period for everyone associated with the Hockeyroos but we feel Katrina is the right person to get the best out of this group and continue in its Olympic preparations.
“Katrina brings her own strengths, experience and knowledge to the role as well as knowing what it takes to achieve at the highest level.”
Katrina Powell Fact File
Coaching History
NSW Institute of Sport; Head Coach, Women’s Hockey
NSW Pride Head Coach (Sultana Bran Hockey One League) 2019
NSW Arrows Head Coach (Australian Hockey League) 2015-2018
Commonwealth Games coaching staff 2010, 2018
Olympic team coaching support staff 2008, 2012
World Cup coaching staff 2010
Australia Women’s Head Coach at 2009 Junior World Cup
Seven years working with Hockey Australia as a National Assistant / National Junior and Australian Institute of Sport coach
International Playing Career
Hockeyroos 1994-2004 (252 appearances, 141 goals)
Hockeyroos captain for four years
Olympic Gold Medallist (1996, 2000)
Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist 1998
World Cup Winner 1998
Champions Trophy Winner 1997, 1999, 2003
Other Information
2013-current Member of International Hockey Federation (FIH) Rules Committee
2014 One of 10 female coaches world-wide at the time to achieve FIH Coach – High Performance accreditation
1997 Awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM)
Sister Lisa Powell also represented the Hockeyroos
