Former South African captain Bernadette Coston has announced her retirement from International Hockey. Bernie, as she is affectionately known, made her debut for South Africa in September 2011 against Kenya in Zimbabwe, and went on to play 169 test caps for the country.
Bernadette’s journey saw her represent the country at the 2012 Olympic Games in a career that spanned over a decade for the country. The journey also saw Bernadette feature in two FIH Hockey World Cups and two Commonwealth Games. It was an incredible adventure for South Africa’s number 23.
“It has taken me a long time to make this decision and it has been one of the hardest ones I have had to make to date. As always, my head and my heart didn’t agree, and I had multiple conversations and emails to fellow friends and players and non-players in order to make this decision.” Shared Coston,
“I have had the most incredible career as player #23 and I will forever cherish the memories made and the lessons learnt.”
SA Hockey interim CEO Shaune Baaitjies thanked Coston for her service to the game.
“Bernie was an incredibly hard-working individual. She managed to balance her professional career and her hockey career outstandingly to the benefit of the entire South African Hockey Family. We would like to thank Bernie for her superb contribution to South African Hockey and we wish you all the best in your retirement!”
