Sport
1News

Black Sticks women's veteran Pippa Hayward retires

April 26, 2018
Pippa Hayward of New Zealand in action. Black Sticks Women vs Australia, Ford Trans-Tasman Trophy test series, Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand. 19 November 2016. © Copyright Image: www.photosport.nz

Black Sticks women’s veteran Pippa Hayward has retired after a 158-Test career that included the recent Commonwealth Games gold medal win.

Hayward, 27, said she loved her time with the national programme but was looking forward to life beyond hockey after debuting in 2012.

She has just two papers remaining to complete a degree of law and arts, and wants to focus fully on study before looking for employment opportunities.

“After winning a gold medal on the Gold Coast I’m still on such a high and I think that’s made it a bit harder to move on, but I know I’m making the right choice and this is my time,” Hayward said.

“This gold medal is definitely one of my proudest achievements but there are so many memories I will treasure for the rest of my life.

“I want to thank the entire Black Sticks group who I have been with over the years. I have been fortunate enough to form some amazing friendships along the way. It was an absolute honour to take the field with a group of great women who are competitive, courageous and very kind.”

SHARE ME

More Stories