Katrina Powell's tenure as Hockeyroos coach has been extended to the 2028 Olympics. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)
Hockeyroos coach Katrina Powell’s contract has been extended to lead Australia’s women’s team to the 2028 Olympic Games.
A dual Olympic gold medallist who took over as head coach in March 2021, Powell has lifted the Hockeyroos to fifth in the world rankings after a tumultuous period.
Powell was appointed after widespread culture concerns were aired in 2020 by former and current players.
A subsequent independent review found evidence of a dysfunctional culture in Australia’s elite women’s program, leading to the resignation of Powell’s predecessor Paul Gaudoin in March 2021.
Hockey Australia president Ross Sudano says extending Powell’s tenure ensures stability.
Sudano said Powell had overseen positive culture changes since taking over in line with Sport Australia’s high performance 2032+ “Win Well” strategy.
“As part of the ‘win’ component … under Katrina’s direction the Hockeyroos have moved up the women’s team rankings to fifth place behind the Dutch, Argentina, Belgium and Germany,” he said in a statement on Monday.
“Katrina knows what elements require focus for the team to achieve success, which is crucial going into the next Olympic cycle.
“Under the ‘well’ component, Katrina has been a key driver in ensuring all recommendations from Hockey Australia’s review into the culture and leadership … 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.”
The Hockeyroos finished fifth at both the Tokyo Olympics of 2021 and this year’s Paris Games.
“The Hockeyroos are a brilliant group of talented, supportive and driven athletes,” Powell said.
“I am very proud and excited to be leading them through to the 2028 Olympics. The team has come a long way since 2021 and I’m really proud of their ongoing commitment and development.”
Australia’s men’s hockey team remains in search of a coach after Colin Batch ended his eight-year tenure after the Kookaburras finished sixth in Paris.
