Stephanie Kershaw

Biography

Stephanie Kershaw's journey in the world of hockey began in Townsville, Queensland, where she was inspired by her older siblings who played the game on weekends. From an early age, she demonstrated a natural talent and passion for the sport. This commitment saw her moving to Brisbane post-high school to join the Queensland Academy of Sport, a pivotal decision in her career.

Her dedication paid off in 2015 when she was called up to the national squad. Not long after, she moved to Perth to train with the Hockeyroos and made her debut in a Test series against Korea, scoring her first international goal in just her second match. However, her rising career faced setbacks with two major ACL injuries, first in 2016 and then again in 2019, each requiring year-long rehabilitation.

Despite these challenges, Stephanie's resilience shone through. She returned to the field stronger, winning silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the Champions Trophy. The postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed her the time to recover fully, and she made her Olympic debut with the Hockeyroos, impressively scoring in their opening match against China.

Stephanie's tenacity was further evidenced in 2022 when she led Australia to a bronze medal at the World Cup and a silver at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. By 2023, she helped secure the Hockeyroos' place in the Paris Olympics, celebrating her 100th international cap with a critical assist in the Oceania Cup series.

Stephanie Kershaw remains a symbol of perseverance and excellence in Australian hockey. Her love for the game drives her continuous pursuit of greatness, both physically and mentally, on and off the field.