Hockey: Gaddum hangs up black singlet

RETIRED: Black Sticks women's most-capped player, Emily Gaddum, is calling it a day in the international arena. PHOTO/NZME.

New Zealand hockey women's most-capped player, Emily Gaddum, is stepping out of the international arena.

Black Sticks midfielder/defender Emily Gaddum, of Havelock North, has decided to prepare for a more settled lifestyle with her first child due in January.

The 30-year-old Palmerston North-born made her debut in 2004 and had amassed an unrivalled 274 caps for her country.

In her 12-year stint she competed at three Olympic Games (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012) and three Commonwealth Games (Melbourne 2006, Delhi 2010 where the team won the silver medal and Glasgow 2012 which saw a bronze medal finish).

"It was definitely a tough decision but I feel the time is right now to look ahead to the next challenge," she said.

"I'm pretty comfortable in finishing after a good career, my last game was against Australia in Darwin where we won the final so that was a nice way to go out."

Gaddum (nee Naylor) brought a hard-nosed style of play with skill and composure, as a midfielder early in her career and defence later.

She has gone through several coaches Ian Rutledge, Kevin Towns and Mark Hagerin the past eight years.

"They've all been great coaches and I've taken things off each of them along the way. Mark, in particular, has been a huge part of my hockey career on a personal level," she said, alluding to his up-tempo attacking style.

Gaddum was 18 when she played her first test. She has made many friends and relished playing alongside longtime friend Kayla Whitelock. They were each other's bridesmaid

"It's been pretty amazing playing alongside Kayla for the last 12 years, particularly growing up together in Palmerston North. It's been a very special bond from a young age.

"Playing for New Zealand was always a dream so to debut that young and have the privilege to wear the shirt so many times is unbelievable."

She acknowledged her family's support, as well as her husband, Harry, and all the coache.

"I had some amazing times and memories so I feel very fortunate."

Gaddum will still be involved with hockey at a regional level as player and coach. She helped coach Iona College at the recent Federation Cup secondary schools' tournament.

She works for Hawke's Bay Hockey and will help co-ordinate the annual Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey, which is set for its fourth year in April.

Hager said Emily has been an integral part of the squad during his time at the helm for the Black Sticks.

"Emily has been the backbone of the Black Sticks' defence throughout her career. When I first came on board in 2009 she was part of the leadership group that helped create a team first approach," the Australian said.

"She was a player who led from the field with her ability to defuse many attacks from opposition teams. Currently still as the highest capped player shows the commitment Emily had for her country and her love of hockey," he said, lauyding her for professionalism.

"It has been a pleasure to be a part of her career and I wish Emily and her family all the best for the future. She will be missed and will go down as one of New Zealand's best ever defenders," Hagar said.