After playing, Eileen Pritchard became a state selector and remained involved with junior coaching at the Woodville Hockey Club until 2010, ending an amazing 50-60 year career with hockey.
Known as “Pritch” among her friends, Eileen Pritchard played tennis, football, softball, A-grade hockey, cricket and squash from a young age.
But it was hockey that most attracted her and as a junior she keenly took individual coaching sessions with renowned winger, Doris Lawler.
Playing for Largs Bay as a speedy, penetrating forward, she was selected in the SA State team for a staggering 16 years from 1960-1975 – and was captain from 1969-1971.
She was selected to the Australian team in 1963, 66, 67, 69, 70, and named as vice-captain on two teams including the IFWHA Tournament in Germany.
After playing, Eileen Pritchard became a state selector – and remained involved with junior coaching at the Woodville Hockey Club until 2010, ending an amazing 50-60 year career with hockey.
Telling and typical for the times, during which a sport is laying down its roots, as a young A grade player she was also a member of the SAWHA Executive committee.
In 1976 Dennis Glencross requested Eileen as an assistant coach of the SA state team as he was unsure “how far he could physically and psychologically push” the players.
She was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.
