Jillaroos Head Coach Stacia Strain resigns after three years at the helm

Jillaroos’ Head Coach, Stacia Strain, has announced she is stepping down following over three years in charge of the women’s junior national hockey team.

Stacia signs off two weeks after guiding the under-21 side to Junior World Cup qualification in New Zealand at the start of February, capping a four-year tenure, which saw her lead the team to two Oceania Cup titles in 2022 and 2025 and fifth place at the 2023 Junior World Cup. 

“This was an incredibly tough decision to make. I have dedicated everything I could to this Jillaroos program over the past three years, and unfortunately, I’ve had to make the tough decision due to balancing commitments between my family and VIS Head Coaching responsibilities,” Stacia said.
 
“I can no longer sustain the time, energy and extensive travel required to commit to the position moving forward, and I want nothing but the best for this group.
 
“It is a bittersweet moment. I leave feeling satisfied with what we have been able to achieve as a group of staff and players over the past three years, and it makes me feel extremely proud to see the development of these incredibly talented athletes as not only hockey players but also people.”

Since taking on the role in May 2021, Stacia has balanced a dual head coaching role with the Jillaroos and VIS as Women’s Head Coach, facilitating a program focused on developing people and connecting each athlete representing Australia to their country. 

While installing a culture and people-first approach, Stacia led a camp in 2022 in Alice Springs, connecting athletes with indigenous culture and land.

“Our 2022 journey to Alice Springs and Uluru stands as the pinnacle of my time as head coach of the Jillaroos. This trip provided a really unique opportunity for learning and development, and it embodied everything I aspire to as a leader—challenging the limits of athlete development, fostering deep connections, and embracing the power of our rich history. 
 
“Key learnings from this trip have been part of the fabric of every Jillaroos trip since and something that is both inspiring and empowering.”

Stacia’s impact was embedded in the Jillaroos culture, with Jilla’s midfielder Karissa Van der Wath saying, “Together with Stacia, we have created a sisterhood so every time we step on the field we can have hard conversations with each other while understanding it comes from a place of care and knowing we’re out to improve each other, and together,” ahead of the Junior World Cup Qualifiers in 2025.

“It was incredibly humbling to read Karissa’s quote,” Stacia admitted. 
 
“It made me realise the profound impact we can have on this incredible group of young women as coaches.
 
“I would also like to express my gratitude for the belief, support and opportunities I have been given during my time in this role from Hockey Australia,
 
“Particularly my time working with Mark Hager, he has been instrumental in my development not only as a coach but a leader, a person, and a mum. 

“I will be forever grateful for the time I’ve spent with the Jillaroos and wish the group every success for the Junior World Cup and as they continue to develop along the journey to Chile.”

Hockey Australia High Performance Director Bernard Savage said: “We have great respect for the dedication and commitment Stacia has shown to the Jillaroos since she took on the role in 2021. 

“Stacia has guided the program with a clear vision and purpose, allowing it to thrive culturally, and she leaves the program well set up for success as we move towards the 2025 Junior World Cup.

“We wish Stacia all the best in her continued role at the VIS and sincerely thank her for her invaluable contribution to both the Junior Program and the High-Performance Pathway for our female athletes.

“We will be moving in a timely manner to appoint a new Head Coach for the Jillaroos.”

The Jillaroos will contest the 2025 Women’s FIH Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile in December.