NSW Pride Announces Peter Shea As Women’s Head Coach For 2021 Season

The NSW Pride are pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Shea as our Women’s Team Head Coach for the 2021 season.

A highly respected figure in NSW hockey circles, Peter brings three decades worth of representative coaching experience to the role, as well as a decorated playing career that included playing for NSW and the ACT.

Over half of Peter’s 30-year coaching career has been spent at the helm of several successful female teams from Under 18’s right through to the Arrows at AHL level.

Among his long list of coaching achievements are two Under 18 National titles, two Under 21 National titles and the 2002 Women’s AHL Championship.

Peter has also had a significant involvement in the development of junior hockey at Sutherland and Moorebank Hockey Clubs, as well as recently in the Central West Premier League. 

In addition to his successful hockey background, Peter is a veteran teacher and is the current Head of Science at Orange High School in the State’s Central West.

Peter’s appointment was made after a robust selection process, which included a selection panel consisting of some of Australia’s best past players and coaches such as Larry McIntosh, Loretta Dorman and Casey Sablowski.

Peter is excited to join the NSW Pride and work with our top female athletes to challenge for the Hockey One Championship.

“It is an honour to be appointed as Head Coach of the NSW Pride for the 2021 Hockey One season. I am incredibly passionate about hockey and I’m eager to once again lead a talented NSW team through what I hope is a very successful season,” said Shea.

“The NSW Pride are in an excellent position to put in place processes that will allow the team and players to grow, and continue the successful legacy of women’s hockey in NSW.”

“One of my main focuses will be on player welfare and I have made a commitment to build a culture that is positive, empathetic and values based. I want to create a team that women and girls aspire to be in.”

“I want to help the players and staff develop a drive for continual improvement and growth through clear expectations and a culture of collaborative development. I’m excited to get underway with the team and start the hard-work that will be required over the coming months.”

David Thompson, Hockey NSW CEO, believes that Peter’s extensive experience as both a representative coach and former National player will be a great asset to the NSW Pride during the upcoming season.

“Peter brings to the table a proven coaching record at State level including multiple National titles and a Women’s NHL championship. He’s been at the helm of several successful female NSW teams over a number of years and has coached a number of players that have gone on to represent Australia,” said Thompson.

“Peter is a very respected figure in NSW hockey and we’re pleased to have him on board. He has a fantastic vision for our team and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

Peter replaces inaugural head coach Katrina Powell who was appointed Hockeyroos head coach earlier this month.

“We would like to thank Katrina for her service during our inaugural season. While it is disappointing to see her leave, she was offered an incredible opportunity that was impossible to turn down. We wish her the best of luck with the Hockeyroos and will be cheering her and our girls on to gold in Tokyo,” said Thompson.

Peter will join our panel of selectors at the Open Women’s State Championships in June to appoint our 2021 NSW Pride squad.