Slattery Selected for World Cup Debut
Rio Olympian Kathryn Slattery has been named in the 18-member Hockeyroos squad for the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup in the UK.
Slattery missed out on selection for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games – where the Hockeyroos lost to New Zealand in the final – but returns for the 14th edition of the Women’s World Cup which will play-out in London.
Slattery first broke into the Hockeyroos’ international setup not long after the 2014 edition of the Women’s World Cup where Australia was defeated 2-0 in the final by host nation and champion the Netherlands.
Four years later and Slattery will add a World Cup debut to her international career resume.
In 2018, Australia faces group matches with Japan, Belgium and their Commonwealth conquerors New Zealand, with the Hockeyroos entering competition ranked fifth in the world.
Australia will take renewed confidence against its antipodean rival however, having defeated the Black Sticks 4-1 in the final of the Tri-Nations series in May.
Australia’s head coach Paul Gaudoin believes his squad can make an impact at the tournament – which the Hockeyroos has won twice before.
“It’s an exciting team with some new faces. Midfielder Jane Claxton will be missed due to injury, but it provides a great opportunity for new talent to stake a claim for midfield positions,” he said.
“The Hockeyroos are bursting with talent and vitality, and I am excited about what we can achieve”.
The 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup will run from July 21 – August 5.