The careers of two Hockeyroo greats come to an end

Hockey Australia's Director of High Performance, Bernard Savage reflects on the careers of Hockeyroos' Jane Claxton and Renee Taylor.

Hockeyroo #465, Jane Claxton
 
Jane made her debut for the Hockeyroos in 2013 vs Korea. In the time Jane has been a Hockeyroo she has played 250 games for her country and as such finishes her career as the eighth most capped Hockeyroo of all time, in between Hockeyroos Coach, Katrina Powell and Jodie Kenny. Jane has been the co-captain for the Hockeyroos for the last three years, including at the recent Paris Olympic Games. Jane has led the team and the wider Hockeyroos squad with distinction. A three-time Olympian, Jane represented Australia at the Rio 2016 Games, 2020 Tokyo Games and most recently in Paris. 
 
Not only did Jane achieve great things on the pitch, but she has also built a successful career away from it as well. During her playing time, Jane studied to be an Occupational Therapist at Curtain University and has gone on to work in this field four days a week alongside her career as a Hockeyroo. Jane is a wonderful example of how athletes can successfully blend their hockey and professional careers. Jane is also a member of the AIS Athlete Advisory Committee, advocating and providing a voice at the AIS for not just hockey, but all Australian athletes. 
 
All that being said, perhaps the best reflection of the respect for Jane comes from her peers and teammates. Jane was the inaugural Hockeyroos’ Players’ Player last year after earning the highest amount of votes from her team mates. Below are some excerpts of player’s describing Jane when voting for this award: 
 
“Fearless leader, celebrates the little things constantly, always fighting hard to beat her opponent both with skill, physicality and her determination. Her desire to win energises the group around her, whether its playing for Australia or for her Roos mini games team. Jane has assisted, inspired and positively challenged others both on and off the field this year, showing her desire to help those around her grow to help the team be the best it can be.”
 
“Leads by example on and off the field, displays Hockeyroos values, approachable, advocates for the players. Someone you want on your team every single time, leaves everything out on the field. Gives 100%”
 
I am also reliably told it took until July 2024 for Jane to appear in her first TikTok!
 
Jane will be missed by players, coaches and staff. We wish her all the best for the next phase of her life knowing she will be successful and approach it with the determination and commitment she exhibited as a Hockeyroo.

Hockeyroo #475 Renee Taylor
 
Renee debuted for the Hockeyroos in 2015 against China and has played 139 times for her country. Renee has represented Australia at two Commonwealth Games, including in 2018 on the Gold Coast and 2022 in Birmingham, coming home with a silver medal from both. A two-time Olympian, Renee was a member of the 2020 Tokyo Games and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games teams. Known for her technical ability and game awareness, Renee was a key member of the Hockeyroos Bronze medal winning 2022 World Cup campaign too.
 
A powerful, fierce and relentless competitor on pitch, Renee was also determined and hard working away from hockey. During her playing career, Renee pursued a Double Degree in Law and Commerce, majoring in Accounting at QUT and Curtin University, which included internships and working part-time as a Legal Assistant in the field. Like her great friend and fellow retiring Hockeyroo, Jane Claxton, Renee is real world example of how athletes can successfully blend their hockey and professional careers. 
  
We wish Renee all the best for the next phase of her life, with full confidence that she will be successful in whatever she decides to take on.

Written by Bernard Savage - Hockey Australia High Performance Director