Emily Gaddum shows the defensive nous that made her one of the best the country ever produced. PHOTO/PLANET HOCKEY
Black Sticks women
If Black Sticks women's coach, Mark Hager, isn't committed to the Tokyo Olympics then it's probably time to find a fresh coach, according to retired defender Emily Gaddum.
"But if Mark's committed then there's no reason why he can't do it and become third-time lucky," says the most-capped New Zealand international, who announced her retirement last Friday in Hawke's Bay after playing 274 games for her country.
Gaddum (nee Naylor) and husband Harry, of Havelock North, are expecting their first baby in January and she opted out of the Rio Olympics soon after discovering she was pregnant.
"I think Mark's quite a passionate person and he's hurting, probably more this time than in London because we were expecting a gold medal this time in Rio and not just a medal," says the 30-year-old Palmerston North-born player who made her debut in 2004.
Gaddum says it will be tough to predict if Hager will stay or carry on.
"He's such a good coach. If he doesn't get a New Zealand job he'll be headhunted for jobs around the world.
"He knows the girls so well and he has been such a big part of their success," she says when asked if Hockey New Zealand should renew his contract.
Gaddum feels maybe Hager should be kept for another two years with the Commonwealth Games in mind but agrees the continuity into Tokyo Olympics is imperative as well.
She says retirement crossed her mind early this year.
"I thought I'd already had a good run and it was on my mind to retire this year and focus on new things.
"It was just the timing so I let it sit a bit and felt the timing was right after Rio," says the player who has competed at three medal-less Olympics (2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing and 2012 London), as well as just as many Commonwealth Games (2006 Melbourne, 2010 Dehli, 2014 Glasgow) where she picked up silver and bronze medals at the latter two. "It's been a huge part of my life, playing for 12 years since I made my debut in 2004, and I haven't missed too many tournaments or games in that time," she says.
Listening to her body and embarking on an exciting but "trickier" journey of motherhood eventually dictated the inevitability.
She doesn't harbour any sense of guilt in letting the team down because while she could have helped with her experience post-baby she feels the squad that went to Rio was strong.
"One player doesn't change a game. We had the team and ability but our mental toughness cost us two games."
It was tougher for the team in Rio because expectations were much higher than London, where no one really expected the Black Sticks to make the playoffs.
It is obvious the Kiwis struggle in pressure games and watching games on TV from home made it trying for Gaddum
"I feel for the girls. I know them, especially Kayla [Whitelock, nee Sharland] who is the captain and a good mate of mine and you just don't know what to say to her," she says after the pair were reciprocal bridesmaids at each other's weddings.
They grew up together in Palmerston North and went through the age-group teams through to the Central Mysticks team in the National Hockey League.
Gaddum says it's a tough commitment to make for another four years to Tokyo so some of the more experienced players will take some time off to assess matters, as well as overcome the disappointment.
It'll be harder for those who have endured heartache over eight years.
She's mindful Gemma Flynn is taking time off to marry former All Black skipper Richie McCaw and suspects others of her ilk will have their priorities.
"Players tend to have different focuses but the younger ones will bounce back and carry on."
She is working for Hawke's Bay Hockey until the end of this year and her input with the annual Festival of Hockey is on the agenda although her level of commitment will depend on how her childbirth goes.
Making the team at 18 and competing at the Athens Games that year are among the indelible moments of her envious career.
Meeting so many players and making friends globally are up there.
"Becoming the most-capped player was too but I'm sure some young girls will overtake me," she says, recalling how her first captain, Suzie Muirhead, presented her memorabilia to mark that occasion and how she's looking forward to reciprocate when her time comes to pass on that baton of honour.
"I've travelled to so many countries and seen the world through the sport I love," says Gaddum, considering herself lucky to have her family travel to watch her play and support her at most venues.
She will treasure fulfilling the role of Rio Olympic ambassador to schools in the Bay.
"Hockey's in a good place and some really strong kids are coming through," says Gaddum, when asked if she came across any potential Olympians or internationals in the province.