Mitchell to lead HC Melbourne Women into Season 3!

After an extensive recruitment process, HC Melbourne has finally found its Women's Head Coach for Season 3 of the Hockey One league in the form of the highly qualified and accomplished Dan Mitchell. Stepping up from his previous role as assistant coach in 2022, Dan's promotion is a testament to his exceptional skills and expertise in the field.

Mitchell is excited about the appointment, saying “ I’m looking forward to the challenges it will bring but also the enjoyment of working with the group. Bringing lots of energy to the role is key for me and continuing to build on the great on and off field foundations that are already in place.“

With an impressive resume and knowledge of the high-performance Hockey environment, Dan is perfectly suited to guide the team to new heights. Currently serving as the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) Assistant Coach of Women's Hockey and having previously led the Adelaide Fire as Head Coach, Dan brings a wealth of experience to the table. Not to mention, his own playing background in the Australian Hockey League (AHL) further solidifies his credibility.

Dan's appointment ensures stability and continuity within HC Melbourne. Following the successful tenures of Tim Strapp and Phil Burrows in Seasons 1 and 2 respectively, Dan's two-year deal offers a seamless transition and the opportunity to build upon the team's existing talent. Mitchell said “ I have been lucky enough to be around the group last year, it's just so exciting to be around such a great group of people and see where the H1 journey will take us.”

Hockey Victoria CEO, Andrew Skillern, expressed his excitement, stating, "We're thrilled to see Dan appointed. His experience, energy, love for the sport and creating a high performance environment was clear throughout the recruitment process.  I have a high degree of confidence Dan’s approach to the HC Melbourne Women’s Program will ensure the team continues to perform well in Season 3."

Fans can eagerly anticipate Dan's coaching prowess as he takes the reins for the upcoming two seasons, providing an exciting journey that will extend all the way to the end of 2024. With Dan's leadership coupled with an exciting balance of young and experienced players, HC Melbourne is poised for growth and success on the field.