Kate Starre AOM

Inducted: 2008
Sport: Hockey

Born Armadale W.A.
18 September 1971

Kate Starre was a brilliant and high spirited player who won gold medals at both Atlanta (1996) and Sydney (2000) Olympic Games during her career.

As a rising young star Kate earned her selection in the under- 16, 18 and 21 state teams. Her outstanding talent was recognized early as she was selected in the National Squad at the age of 19 before playing in the National League. On leaving school she was offered a scholarship with the AIS hickey unit in Perth and remained a scholarship holder for 12 years.

To add to her Olympic success she won a Commonwealth Games gold medal and gold medals for two world cups and four Championship Trophy events.

Kate was tough and sometimes volatile player. She was highly motivated and set herself and her team very high standards. Versatility was another of Kates attributes. Beginning her international career as a striker, she moved to the backline for several years before settling into midfield where she spent the majority of her elite playing career. She was an integral part of the Hockeyroos and its successful penalty corner battery.

Kate played 212 games for austral and as the fifth Australian to reach the coveted 200 game milestone.

Retiring after the Sydney Olympics, Kate coached in the US for a number of years and was a consultant coach for the Australian National team in 2005-2006 before becoming an AIS scholarship coach in 2006.