Hockey WA name Thundersticks coaches

Australian hockey legends Stephen Davies and Kate Starre have been named as the Perth Thundersticks head coaches for the men’s and women’s programs respectively from 2020 through to 2022. 

Starre is a dual Olympic and World Cup gold medallist with 215 caps for the Hockeyroos, while Davies is a triple Olympian, with a silver and two bronze, and 276 caps for the Kookaburras. 

Both are excited at the prospect of returning WA’s premier state teams back to the pinnacle of hockey in Australia. 

Hockey WA General Manager - Talent Development and Asian Engagement, Dean Evans, said it was an exciting time for hockey in WA. 

“We’re delighted with the number of high-quality hockey people that have indicated their eagerness to be part of reinvigorating the Thundersticks and broader hockey development,” said Evans. 

The appointments will encompass programs from Under 15s through to the Sultana Bran Hockey ONE League and National Representative honours, a key strategic direction for the High Performance and Talent Development program. 

While the initial focus will be on the National Championships in 2021 and 2022, it will also provide a platform during the year for athletes and coaches to develop and refine their skills and knowledge in a variety of environments. 

The first of these will be international calibre matches on Sunday 11 October, followed by a Super League competition with teams selected based on performance and attitude demonstrated during the Premier League competition. 

Stephen Davies 

• 276 Caps for the Kookaburras 
• Triple Olympian (Silver and 2 x Bronze) 
• Hockeyroos Olympic coaching staff 
• Multiple AHL Gold Medallist 

Kate Starre 

• 215 Caps for the Hockeyroos 
• Dual Olympic and World Cup Gold Medallist 
• Hockeyroos Olympic coaching staff 
• Multiple AHL Gold Medallist