Kayla Whitelock is undoubtedly among the greatest hockey players New Zealand has ever produced.

Skilful on attack and stoic in defence, Kayla is an immensely talented player whose international career began as an 18-year old in 2003. She’s represented New Zealand at four Olympic Games, three Commonwealth Games and two World Cups, notching up 256 caps and 63 goals in the process. Only three other women have played more matches for the Black Sticks and no New Zealander has participated in as many major hockey events. 

A long time captain of the Black Sticks, Kayla led New Zealand to a silver medal at the Delhi Commonwealth Games and bronze at Glasgow 2014, as well as fourth placed finishes at consecutive Olympics.  Kayla also blazed a trail as one of the first athletes to combine elite sport with motherhood, returning to action just four months after having her daughter Addison in 2014. She made a second comeback to the Black Sticks in late 2019, with then 17-month old Maxwell joining Addison in the support crew.

Kayla was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to hockey, in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours and currently serves on the NZOC Athlete’s Commission and recently appointed to the ONOC Athletes’ Commission.