Geers and Andrews to remain at WA under-21s helm

The coaches for WA men’s and women’s under-21s state teams have been announced, with Tim Geers and Steph Andrews to remain at the helm and lead the sides at the Hockey Australia National Championships in Sydney, NSW in March 2023.

The WA under-21s campaign in 2022 complemented one of the most successful years for the state at a National Championships level in recent history, with the men crowned the gold medallists and the women claiming silver at home in Perth.

Andrews, the current WAIS head coach and former Hockeyroos assistant coach, provides a wealth of experience to lead WA’s best in the under-21s age bracket for another year after a stellar effort in 2022.

Geers had a successful year as both a coach and player, leading both the under-18s and under-21s to gold at the National Championships as head coach and claimed back-to-back premierships as a player for his club side Melville in the Premier League, while also competing in a Hockey One silver medal placement for the Thundersticks at the elite national level.

Andrews says she feels privileged to lead WA’s best in the under-21s age bracket for another year.

“It’s always a privilege to be involved and coach any WA team,” Andrews said.

“WA has a proud history and we are looking to go one better from last year after a successful 2022 campaign.

“We have some really exciting talent that have transitioned out of the under-18s after a successful campaign last year led by Jemma Buckley, along with a growing group of talent who trialled last year.

“Making the final last year was fantastic and has set a great platform for sustained success in WA for our Women.”

Geers says he is excited to remain at the helm of the under-21s men for another year, with hopes to continue a run of successful results for the state at a national level.

“2022 has been a fantastic year for WA hockey and I’m really excited at the opportunity to continue that so early in 2023,” Geers said.

“It was incredibly special to win Gold at the Under-21s National Championships on home turf earlier this year, but our focus with this group from day one has been about creating a legacy.”

“A large portion of our group are eligible to play again in 2023 which is great, but it will be a whole new challenge.

“The tournament structure will be different, we will be away from home, the timing has changed to earlier in the year and we now have a target on our backs - I think that’s a challenge to be really excited about.”

The Hockey Australia Under-21s National Championships will kick off from 22 to 29 March 2023, in Sydney, NSW.

NOMINATIONS FOR 2023 U21’S PLAYER TRIALS CLOSE THURSDAY 8^TH DECEMBER 11.59PM. Registration link: https://www.hockeywa.org.au/events/164568/