McDonald leaves lasting imprint

Long standing highly respected and regarded Tasmanian National Training Centre (NTC) Hockey Coach Andrew McDonald has stepped down from his role after 30 years of service to Australian hockey.

McDonald leaves an enormous legacy having overseen both the men’s and women’s hockey programs in Tasmania plus an array of national team coaching roles.

Further, he has been renowned for his detailed reporting, wider engagement with network partners and management of the Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS) program by Hockey Australia, at times setting standards across the national hockey network.

“I have been extremely fortunate to have been able to combine my passion for coaching and hockey into a fulltime career,” said McDonald.

“I want to thank the many wonderful athletes, volunteers, colleagues and administrators for putting up with me this long. The time is right for me to meet new challenges.

“Thank you to Hockey Australia, Hockey Tasmania, the Tasmanian Institute of Sport and my family.”

Involved in Hockey Australia High Performance pathways and national teams across three decades, McDonald will now fulfil a High Performance Coach Development role with the TIS.

“The TIS gratefully acknowledge and applaud the enduring, successful career Andrew has had in the development of Tasmania’s talented hockey athletes through the TIS hockey program,” said TIS Director Paul Austen.

“The consistent contribution he has made in progressing athletes through to the national program is outstanding.

“The TIS is excited to now have Andrew contribute to other key objectives of the TIS, particularly in Coach Development, where his extensive experience will be of great value to the wider Tasmanian coaching community.”

Plaudits for McDonald and the contribution and impact he has had on players, coaches plus the wider hockey and sport community have come from far and wide.

“Andrew has been an outstanding contributor to our sport,” said Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier.

“To have been doing what he has done for so long and still held in such high esteem is testament to his character as a person and his knowledge and expertise of the game.”

Hockey Tasmania CEO Damian Smith said: “There are many athletes across our state over many years that have benefited enormously from Andrew McDonald’s coaching and guidance.”

“He has been integral in helping them achieve their dreams and aspirations.”

“Hockey Tasmania would like to acknowledge Andrew’s involvement in our sport. There are countless achievements and he is leaving a legacy that will be challenging to match.”

Tasmanian hockey players who have gone on to become Olympians (many of them medallists) during McDonald’s tenure include Daniel Sproule, Matthew Wells, David Guest, Eddie Ockenden and Tim Deavin. Tasmanian state teams and coaches have also had significant success during this period, winning various National titles at AHL, U21 Men and Women’s events.

Wells, who won gold at Athens 2004 and is currently the Hockey Queensland National Athlete Pathway Programs Men’s Coach and TIS Scholarship Holder, said McDonald had and continues to have a profound impact on his life and career.

“For the first 13 years Macca coached me, guided me, and provided all the support I needed to be successful at three Olympic Games and he shared in all the celebrations,” said Wells.

“He has since been my mentor in coaching for the past 12 years. His insights and knowledge of the game as well as his program skill sets have been invaluable to my development and have helped mould me to be who I am today.

“He is still one of Australia’s best minded coaches and held in very high regard amongst his peers. It is a shame to be losing him from the sport at this time.

“I’m sure his knowledge won’t be lost to high performance sport and I look forward to continuing to tap into his wisdom into the future.”

Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch also acknowledged McDonald’s ability to develop and bring the best out of players.

“Macca has developed an outstanding hockey program within the TIS. He is well respected within the High Performance sector of our sport and has assisted to develop and inspire many of his athletes to achieve senior and junior national selection,” said Batch.

“He leaves a wonderful legacy and his long tenure is testament to his coaching and management ability.”

An excellent hockey player in his own right having won a silver medal representing Australia at the 1989 Junior World Cup, spending three years at the High Performance Unit in Perth, and winning a national senior and under 21 championship with Victoria, McDonald’s presence in hockey circles, particularly in Tasmania, will be felt for many years to come.