Introducing Our Development Officer - Cathy Baker  

Cathy can be contacted on 0272920594

Photo taken at Easter Break Marist Fun Day  April 2011

Earlier this year Marist Hockey were very fortunate to appoint Cathy Baker as our Development Officer.   Cathy is responsible for the overseeing of all Marist Team development and coaching.

Born in Lumsden, Southland, Cathy started playing hockey when she was 11 years old. Her natural skills and determination to succeed were soon rewarded.  By the age of 16 Cathy was playing at national tournaments.  In 1980 Cathy moved to Christchurch and commenced playing for Canterbury.  It was also at this time that she was selected to play for the New Zealand Womens’ Black Sticks and was a regular member in the squad thru until 1989.   Due to injury Cathy then turned he hand to coaching. As a coach Cathy again strived for success and subsequently trained numerous Canterbury Hatch and Collier Under 15 and Under 18 teams, winning many national titles.

Already in the short time that Cathy has been with us at Marist, she has developed a following with many of our players,at all levels, who actively seek her out at practice for advice or just to say hello.

Cathy’s goal is to develop teamwork through friendship and fun. The basic skills of all Marist players, from the Minis right through to our Div 2 team, will be improved through fun games, drills and good coaching.  It is intended Marist fun days shall become a regular holiday occurrence.

Cathy is a vibrant and outgoing personality who is always keen to meet and talk to new people and is extremely approachable on any hockey related matter so if you have any question she is certainly a good place to start.

In the immediate future Cathy is looking to increase the number of boys teams by initiating a summer ‘boys only’program.  She is passionate about parent involvement and strongly believes in senior players actively helping junior players.   Cathy is already helping many at Marist to become effective coaches and confident umpires.  Cathy is also keen to visit schools encouraging new players to join Marist.

Cathy is at Marist Park both Tuesdays &Thursdays from 3:30pm.  Since the season started Cathy has all but lived at Nunweek Park and Marist Park over the weekends, attending as many Marist games as possible.   In the weeks to come Cathy is determined to get to as many Super 8, Intermediate, Junior 8 and Mini team games as humanly possible.   So watch out - you will probably hear her before you actually see her!!.