Hockey: Katie Doar adds to Northland's Black Sticks women's team legacy

Katie Doar, 17, made her start for the Black Sticks women's team in the defence against the United States in Auckland on Friday. Photo / Simon Watts

It may be the national side but the women's Black Sticks hockey team is looking more and more like a Northland team every day.

The team, which already has a strong Northland contingent, just added its newest northern member, 17-year-old Katie Doar. She joins a number of Northland players including over 200-capped legends Stacey Michelsen and Ella Gunson, as well as Doar's sister, Madison.

The Year 13 St Cuthbert's College student made her debut against the United States in an FIH Pro League game on Friday in Auckland where the hosts prevailed, winning 3-1. She also played in the next game against Argentina on Sunday, this time losing 3-0.

"I'd never played at that level before so it was a great learning experience," Doar said.

Usually playing in the midfield, Doar was put in defence alongside Northland legend Gunson, which was quite a nerve-wracking experience.

"I was probably the most nervous I've ever been but also really exciting because I've dreamt of playing for my country," Doar said.

"It was something that was a bit unreal for me before the game, but it was pretty cool playing in front of all my friends who came down to watch."

Doar moved from Whangārei Girls' High School to start as a Year 10 at the Auckland-based school, where she was able to progress further in hockey, playing for the school and in Auckland's senior club competition.

"It was definitely a big change, so it took a lot of adjusting to," she said.

"I had a lot of support so it wasn't too bad in the end when I got used to it and home is always home, I can always travel up and down."

Doar's friends from Whangārei were a strong presence at her first game for the national side, L-R Grace Moscrip, Jamie Lindsay, Livvy Potter and Kennedy Boswell-Smith. Photo / Simon Watts

At the age of 15, Doar was selected to play for the Auckland National Hockey League team. She said she relished the opportunity to play against older players who would give her more experience and allow her to improve her skills.

Doar's sister, 19-year-old Madison, who had played more than 30 times for the national side, was there to welcome her little sister on to the turf on Friday which for Doar, meant a great deal.

"She gave me a little fist-bump and told me just to play hockey, which was quite reassuring.

"I've been watching her play for the team for so long so it was good to be out there on the turf with her."

Katie Doar, right, alongside her sister and fellow Black Stick Madison at her debut game on Friday. Photo / Simon Watts

Doar was first introduced to the national women's hockey set-up over the summer where she was invited to train with the team. Doar said this was a great experience to be immersed in such a professional environment.

"Just being able to be around those experienced players, they teach you a lot as well as the coaches so I'm learning every day.

"I used to watch them when I was younger so it's pretty cool being able to know them as people now."

The women's Black Sticks team had been hit with controversy over the last few months, with the release of a review critiquing the team's culture which led to the departure of long-time coach Mark Hager and the withdrawal of funding from millionaire philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn.

Doar said she hadn't thought much about the impact this had had on women's hockey at the moment but didn't feel that it was having an effect on the players or their playing style.

"I think the team in itself, all the girls are still the same and they've all remained a cool bunch of girls so nothing has really changed there."

Going into her final year of high school, Doar hadn't confirmed any plans for university and would wait and see how her game went over the year.

"I'll keep training and see how my hockey progresses and I guess it will pan out from there.

"I'm not really expecting anything, I'm just enjoying it while I can."

The team next faced Australia in Sydney on Sunday.