Judy Smith was one of the few women of the time who continued to play sport after she was married.
Judy Smith (nee Mackay) holds the exclusive honour of being the first captain of the Australian women’s hockey team – in 1914.
Given South Australia was the trailblazing state in establishing hockey in Australia, it is not surprising that SA should contribute leadership of its first national team.
Judy Smith was also one of the few women of the time who continued to play after she was married. At that time, it was expected that after marrying, women gave up both their employment and playing sport.
Judy Mackay was a skilled fullback and natural leader, captaining club team Heathpool, which won the State titles in 1910, 1911 and 1912.
A silver cup worth 3 pounds, 3 shillings was presented to her on behalf of the team.
She was a great lover of hockey and, as many women did during the genesis of the game in SA, was involved in the administration as well.
In her capacity as an executive member of the first SA hockey association, she was appointed its auditor.
After marrying, she became Judy Smith and in a career highlight and following her representation as a SA State player, she captained Australia against England in 1914.
Judy Smith is a Hockey SA life member, acknowledging her role as an enormous influence in establishing, leading and growing women’s hockey in this state.
