Black Sticks Women’s head coach Mark Hager today announced a strong mix of experience and young talent in his team to compete at the Hockey World Cup in The Hague. The team of 18 contains three players with more than 200 test caps and four with more than 100 caps, alongside four 19-year-olds who will play at the tournament from 31 May - 15 June. Inspirational captain Kayla Whitelock leads the side with support from other experienced players like Emily Naylor, Krystal Forgesson, Gemma Flynn and Anita Punt.

Coach Hager said competition for spots in the team was very strong and the selectors are pleased with the final team. “It’s a very versatile team. We believe we’ve got a good mix of youth and experience within the group and a team that can play various positions, so if we get injuries we can cover them pretty easily,” Hager said. “We think we’ve got the right balance, all 18 girls deserve their spots and I know they are very excited.”

Black Sticks
Kayla Whitelock
Emily Naylor
Krystal Forgesson
Olivia Merry
Katie Glynn
Petrea Webster
Sally Rutherford
Sam Charlton
Michaela Curtis
Liz Thompson
Sophie Cocks
Rhiannon Dennison
Gemma Flynn
Rose Keddell
Jordan Grant
Bianca Russell
Stacey Michelsen
Anita Punt