Women’s 2023 National Development Squad announced

The encouraging depth of Australian women’s hockey at the elite level has been highlighted with the announcement of the 18 players selected in this year’s National Development Squad (NDS).

The NDS consists of players on the fringe and in contention for Hockeyroos selection who missed out on being named in the 22-player senior national squad for 2023.

The majority of athletes selected in the 2023 NDS took part in the weeklong national training selection camp in the lead up to the current FIH Pro League series between the Hockeyroos, China and Germany at Sydney Olympic Park.

Hockeyroos Head Coach Katrina Powell said there would be opportunities for players from the NDS to compete at the highest level this year.

“This is a really strong national development squad containing a lot of talent,” said Powell.

“Having these 18 athletes in the Hockeyroos mix gives us options and means there is high competition for spots which keeps everyone on their toes and is ultimately for the betterment of us being successful.”

“Every athlete selected deserves their spot, are an important part of our national women’s high performance program and we look forward to seeing them continue to develop and improve.”

The NDS athletes train at their home National Training Centre (NTC) under guidance of national program coaches and could also attend Hockeyroos training sessions in Perth as part of Visiting Athlete Agreements (VAA).

2023 Women’s National Development Squad
Alice Arnott (NSW), Maddison Brooks (TAS), Olivia Downes (VIC) (pictured above), Rachel Frusher (WA), Morgan Gallagher (QLD), Rene Hunter (NSW), Carly James (VIC), Alana Kavanagh (NSW), Josie Lawton (VIC), Line Malan (WA), Pippa Morgan (WA), Zoe Newman (NSW), Meg Pearce (QLD), Maddison Smith (NSW), Shanea Tonkin (WA), Aisling Utri (VIC), Abby Wilson (NSW), Georgia Wilson (WA)