Wright celebrates achievements and special bond with teammates

Off the back of a national tournament that featured high-calibre hockey, one of WA’s own has celebrated the special achievements she’s made and the bonds she’s formed with her teammates.

Katie Wright was acknowledged for her outstanding performance and strong leadership as captain of the WA Gold Girls team, earning herself the Player of the Tournament award following the 2024 Hockey Australia Under-16 National Championships.

Wright received the accolade after the WA Gold Girls team took home a bronze medal after defeating Queensland Gold 2-1 in an intense contest.

Wright said it was a great feeling to come home with a medal alongside her teammates and coaches.

“Although we didn’t get the opportunity to win gold, coming back to Perth with the bronze medal was just as special,” she said.

“The off-field staff and the whole team made this achievement more meaningful, as we put in a lot of effort leading up to the tournament.

“One of our goals was to improve on last year’s results, and since the start of training, I felt a great connection between everyone.

“We played as a team rather than as individuals, and a medal outcome showed our grit as a group.”

When Wright’s name and number was announced as the winner of Player of the Tournament during the awards, she couldn’t believe it.

“To be honest, I was staring around wondering who it could be, but once I heard my name, I filled up with excitement and shock,” she said.

“My team was cheering behind me, and all I was thinking was ‘wow, I just won this award’.

“I had to unbox the trophy in front of everyone, which was very funny – I felt like everyone’s eyes were watching me before I had to take the photo to see what the trophy looked like.

“I am hugely grateful to have won the award, and I definitely couldn’t have gotten it without my team’s support, so massive shoutout to all the girls, Julie, Matt, Shanae and Monica.”

Wright said the National Championships was her first opportunity to travel to Tasmania, describing the experience as “unforgettable”.

“Being on the field with my teammates and spending time with them at the hotel were some of the best moments,” she said.

“The cooler climate was an exciting change from Perth’s weather.

“The big highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly the high-quality hockey games.

“Even in the more challenging matches, the execution and level of each game were just top-notch for our team’s level of hockey.

“All teams played at a high level, which brought great intensity and fun throughout the tournament.

“I was thrilled when I scored my first two drag flicks and won the Player of the Tournament award – it was just a fantastic feeling!

Wright said the bond that was formed between the WA Gold Girls players and off-field staff made the tournament truly special.

“We had so much fun chatting and laughing with them, which made the whole experience even better,” she said.

“I just loved every moment of it and would do it again.

“The group made the tournament one of the best and truly was the biggest highlight of it all.”