Australian national women’s hockey coach Katrina Powell has extended her tenure in the role towards the LA 2028 Olympics as the sport also embarks on the construction of £68m High-Performance Centre of Excellence in Perth.
Hockey Australia’s president Ross Sudano said the news would ensure ongoing leadership stability for the Hockeyroos, who exited at the last eight stage at Paris 2024, and continue the positive culture that has developed strongly since she first took the reins in March 2021.
“Under the “well” component, Katrina has been a key driver in ensuring all recommendations from Hockey Australia’s review into the culture and leadership of the National Women’s High-Performance Program have been implemented. She has done a good job with the athletes to build a very positive team culture, where values of leadership, integrity and excellence are paramount.”
“With more funding going forward, we’ll have the environmental and physical resources required to support a high-performing team. We can also provide the Hockeyroos’ Head Coach with full-time assistant coaching, something Katrina hasn’t had across the last few years.
“It’s this level of support that is required to ensure the athletes have the adequate preparation needed to perform on the world stage.”
Powell said she was focused on key areas that she knows will be critical on the road to the next Olympics in Los Angeles.
“It’s important to continue to look at the data so we know what areas we need to focus on. We have access to this now, as well as greater access to more support and resources so it’s important to use this to ensure further growth and success,” she said.
“The Hockeyroos are a brilliant group of talented, supportive and driven athletes. I am very proud and excited to be leading them through to the 2028 Olympics in LA.
“The team has come a long way since 2021 and I’m really proud of their ongoing commitment and development.”
