Hager to lead Black Sticks Women to Tokyo

Hockey New Zealand is thrilled to announce that Mark Hager has been re-signed as head coach of the Black Sticks Women.

The contract extension sees Hager confirm his place as head of the programme until after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

High Performance Director Terry Evans said it was fantastic to secure the genuine world class coach, who has been in hot demand from other nations.

"We know Mark has fielded offers from other countries, so were pleased to be able to confirm that he will lead the Black Sticks Women through to Tokyo," he said.

"Mark has been the key reason the programme has sustained success during his eight years as head coach of the Black Sticks Women, which is why he has been actively hunted by other countries.

"Retaining Mark signals a strong belief in the programme, and the potential within the programme going forward to the future. I think the athletes will take be encouraged to know Mark had options elsewhere but has chosen to remain with the Black Sticks."

Hager has been head coach of the Black Sticks Women since early 2009 and has progressed his side from a world ranking of 12th to their current spot at fifth.

Over the years he has guided the women to victory at the 2009 Champions Challenge, silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, bronze at the 2011 Champions Trophy, bronze at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, runners up at Decembers World League Final and this year gold medal finishes at the Hawkes Bay Cup and International Hockey Open in Darwin.

In August the Black Sticks finished fourth at the Rio Olympic Games, narrowly missing out on a medal at the sports pinnacle event.

Inducted to the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame in 2008, Hager played at two Olympics and captained Australia to a bronze medal in 1996.





- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Hockey NZ