Hockeyroos great to guide youth

The South West’s next generation of hockey stars will benefit from the guidance of one of the greats of the game — former Hockeyroos captain Nicole Arrold.

The two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist has been announced as the new head coach of the South West Academy of Sport’s hockey program, providing high-level support to develop tomorrow’s champions.

Heralded as one of Australia’s finest field hockey players, the ACT Sport Hall of Famer recipient competed at both the Athens and Beijing Olympic Games, as well as the Melbourne and Delhi Commonwealth Games.

The decorated athlete also played at three world cups and six Champions Trophy tournaments, amassing 215 international matches during a 10-year career.

Now based in the Busselton area, Arrold is looking forward to using the knowledge she gained as a player and coach on the world stage to mentor up-and-coming South West athletes.

“There’s a really long and rich successful history of hockey players ... who have come from the South West region,” Arrold said.

“I look forward to continuing to support athletes who have goals to play at high levels.

SWAS chief executive Bernice Butlion said she was thrilled Arrold had joined the team at the academy, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

“Her coaching experience is extensive and we are honoured to have Nicole leading our next generation of hockey players to future success in their hockey careers,” Butlion said. “Her background in education will also help with guiding the athletes into well-rounded individuals.

Since 2008, SWAS has been providing local talent development opportunities for young sportsmen and women, levelling the playing field for emerging athletes in the South West region who would have previously had to travel to Perth to access support.