Canterbury Coaches Box

Chris Leslie - Insights on NZ Women's Hockey during their most successful period

In this exciting episode, we sit down with Chris Leslie, a former player and assistant coach of the New Zealand women's hockey team, to explore some of the most remarkable moments in the history of the sport. Spanning from 1984 to 1989, Chris played for New Zealand and represented multiple regions, including South Canterbury, Marlborough, Wellington, Manawatu, and Canterbury. As an assistant coach from 1998 to 2019, he played a pivotal role in shaping the team's success during a transformative period. Chris shares his firsthand experiences from the Olympic Games in Athens, Beijing, London, and Rio, where he witnessed the team achieve its highest world ranking of 3rd and make it to the semi-finals twice. We delve into the influence of various coaches, discussing the strategies and philosophies of Mark Hagar and Ian Rutledge that contributed to the team’s evolution. Join us as Chris reflects on the incredible talent of captains Kayla Sharland and Stacey Michelsen, the thrill of winning a Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, and the team's achievements, including the World League Final and Champions Trophy Bronze. Whether you're a hockey enthusiast or simply interested in sports leadership, this episode offers invaluable insights into what it takes to build a championship team. Tune in for a deep dive into the heart of New Zealand women's hockey and hear Chris Leslie’s unique perspective on teamwork, resilience, and success!