Hockeyroos ‘quiet achiever’ Jenner calls time

Defender Kate Jenner is the latest Hockeyroo to announce her international hockey retirement.

Growing up in Tamworth in country New South Wales, Jenner finishes her career with 138 internationals after making her Hockeyroos debut in 2010.

She is a dual Olympian (2012, 2020), a Commonwealth Games gold medallist (2014) and World Cup silver medallist (2014).

The remarkable aspect of Jenner’s career is that she had a three year hiatus, choosing to step away from the Hockeyroos program at the end of 2015.

But the lure of representing her country again, coupled with some gentle persuasion and support from current Hockeyroos Head Coach Katrina Powell, drew her back to the fold and she returned to the national program in 2019.

Jenner became a constant in the Hockeyroos defence and went on to feature, and in the end finish her career, in the team’s impressive string of performances at the Tokyo Olympics.

The 31 year old admits she pondered staying on and pushing for selection for this year’s squad with an eye to the Paris Olympics in 2024. But she decided it was time to pass the baton on to the talent waiting in the wings.

“I’m content with my career. There are highs and lows and as a sportsperson you have to accept that it is the way it is going to be. If you have a career with no lows then you probably haven’t given it your all,” said Jenner.

“Initially having just gone through it all in Tokyo last year, I thought I can do that again, but then you start realising the commitment it takes and how sore your body is as you get older.

“It really started to become a thought of, ‘that’s actually too much’. It’s time to let the next generation come through and get that experience before the next Olympics.

“When you look at it from that perspective I have had a good run, so to keep going is probably a stretch too far to get to Paris.

“When you put the whole experience all together it really shapes your learnings through life.”

“I’ve got great memories and experiences. I’m glad I was able to go to major tournaments and experience hockey all over the world, so I have some great stories and memories to pass down. Now it’s time for someone else to start that journey.”

Powell, who also coached Jenner at the New South Wales Institute of Sport, commended the modest defender who made it to the highest level of the sport through a sheer love and enjoyment of playing it.

“Kate is a quiet achiever and an amazing competitor. She might seem quiet and in the background but that is not Kate on the field,” said Powell.

“She has shown brilliant resilience having cracked into the squad in 2010 before suffering some disappointments. To come back and finish her career in Tokyo the way she did…she would be really proud of her journey.”

“Kate leaves a clear legacy about having pride in playing for Australia and also that hunger and want to win.

“She has been a real example for other Hockeyroos and those players outside the program wanting to push their way into the team.”

Based in Newcastle, Jenner will continue in her role as Regional Participation Coordinator for Hockey NSW.

“Congratulations to Kate on a wonderful career and contribution to the Hockeyroos,” said Hockey Australia President Ross Sudano.

“She is a wonderful example for aspiring players wanting to represent the Hockeyroos through her love of the game, while at the same time balancing this desire with a focus on her work and life away from the sport.

“I wish Kate every success in the future and am thrilled that she is not lost to the game and will continue to have an influence on promoting the sport to kids throughout regional New South Wales.”

Kate Jenner File
DOB: 5 May 1990
Place of Birth: Mudgee, NSW
Position: Defender
Playing Number: 22
Hockeyroos appearances (goals): 138 (1)
Hockeyroos Cap Number: 442
Hockeyroos Debut: 16 June 2010 v Great Britain

Honours/Awards
Commonwealth Games Gold Medal 2014
World Cup Silver Medal 2014
World League Silver Medal 2013

Tournament History
Olympic Games 2012, 2020
FIH Pro League 2019, 2020
Commonwealth Games 2010, 2014
World Cup 2010, 2014
World League 2013
Oceania Cup 2013