Kaitlin Nobbs, born September 24, 1997, in Western Australia, is a standout midfielder for the Australian women’s national field hockey team, the Hockeyroos. Known for her composure, vision, and leadership, she continues a remarkable family legacy in international hockey.
Early Life and Family Background
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Family of Olympians: Kaitlin is the daughter of Michael Nobbs (1984 Olympian, former India men’s coach) and Lee Capes (1988 Olympic gold medallist). Her aunt Michelle Capes and uncle Mark Hager also represented Australia at the Olympics, and her grandmother June Capes played for Australia before women’s hockey was an Olympic sport.
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Childhood: Grew up in Western Australia until age 14, then moved to Newington, NSW. Attended Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Sydney, and later studied nursing and science at Curtin University.
Career Highlights
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Domestic Career:
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Debuted for NSW Arrows in the Australian Hockey League in 2014.
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Played for KZ Dames in the Netherlands during the 2022–23 European season.
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Won Player of the Final as NSW claimed the 2018 Australian Hockey League title.
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International Career:
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Made senior Hockeyroos debut in May 2016 after starring at the Junior World Cup, where Australia won bronze.
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Member of the 2018 Commonwealth Games team (silver medal), 2018 Champions Trophy (silver), and 2019 FIH Pro League (silver).
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Played at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and surpassed 100 senior international caps.
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Noted for scoring five goals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, including three from penalty strokes.
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Joint winner of Hockey Australia’s Player of the Year award in 2019.
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Playing Profile
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Position: Midfielder (also listed as a defender in some tournaments)
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Strengths:
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Tactical awareness, accurate passing, and coolness under pressure
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Effective in set pieces, including penalty strokes
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Leadership on and off the field
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Notable Facts
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Kaitlin’s family is one of Australia’s most decorated hockey dynasties, with multiple Olympians spanning three generations.
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She is inspired by her mother and aunt’s careers and credits her family’s support for her success.
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Has a degree in science and nursing and balances her sporting career with healthcare work.
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Co-captain of the Hockeyroos ahead of the 2026 FIH World Cup.
Career Stats (as of 2025)
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 24, 1997 |
| Age | 27 |
| Position | Midfielder / Defender |
| Senior International Caps | 100+ |
| Major Achievements | Tokyo 2020 Olympian, Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Junior World Cup bronze, 2019 Player of the Year, 2022 CWG top scorer |
FAQs About Kaitlin Nobbs
What position does Kaitlin Nobbs play?
Midfielder (also defender)
Where is she from?
Western Australia / New South Wales, Australia
How old is Kaitlin Nobbs?
27 (born September 24, 1997; as of July 2025)
What are her major achievements?
Tokyo 2020 Olympian, Commonwealth Games silver medallist, over 100 international caps, Junior World Cup bronze, 2019 Player of the Year
What is her playing style?
Composed, tactically astute midfielder known for leadership, passing, and set-piece skills
Conclusion
Kaitlin Nobbs’ rise from a legendary hockey family to becoming a leader for the Hockeyroos underscores her talent, work ethic, and dedication. As an Olympian and key midfielder, she continues to shape the future of Australian women’s hockey.
