Karri Somerville, born April 7, 1999, in Kensington, Western Australia, is a prominent defender for the Australian women’s national hockey team, the Hockeyroos. Known for her defensive power, athleticism, and resilience, she has become a key figure in both domestic and international hockey.
Early Life and Background
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Grew up in Perth, Western Australia, and attended All Saints’ College, graduating in 2016.
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Developed her hockey skills at Victoria Park Hockey Club and is a scholarship holder at the Western Australian Institute of Sport.
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Off the field, she is a qualified physiotherapist with a special interest in sporting and lower limb injuries.
Domestic and Club Career
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Regular member of the Perth Thundersticks in the Hockey One League.
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Recognized for her strong performances at the domestic level, which led to her national selection.
International Career Highlights
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Junior Success:
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Member of the Australian U21 team (Jillaroos) that won bronze at the 2016 Junior World Cup in Chile.
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Senior Debut:
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Made her Hockeyroos debut in March 2020 in Perth during the FIH Pro League against Argentina.
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Olympics:
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Selected for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), where Australia went undefeated in the group stage and finished fifth overall after a narrow quarter-final loss to India.
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World Cup & Commonwealth Games:
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Part of the Hockeyroos squad that won bronze at the 2022 FIH Women’s World Cup and silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
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Played a key role in the team’s defensive line, even after suffering a facial injury during the Commonwealth Games.
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Recent Form:
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Missed much of 2023 due to a knee injury but returned strongly for the Oceania Cup, helping Australia qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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Competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Australia advanced to the quarter-finals.
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Indoor Hockey:
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Represented Australia at the 2018 Indoor World Cup in Berlin.
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Playing Profile
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Position: Defender
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Strengths:
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Defensive power and athleticism
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Calmness and composure under pressure
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Effective in both field and indoor hockey formats
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Notable Facts
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Overcame an ACL rupture and meniscal tear in 2018, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
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Praised for her leadership and ability to anchor the defense in high-pressure matches.
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Known for her quick recovery from injuries and consistent return to top-level play.
Career Stats (as of July 2025)
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 7, 1999 |
| Age | 26 |
| Position | Defender |
| Senior International Debut | 2020 |
| Olympics | Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024 |
| Major Achievements | Junior World Cup bronze (2016), FIH World Cup bronze (2022), Commonwealth Games silver (2022), multiple Pro League campaigns |
FAQs About Karri Somerville
What position does Karri Somerville play?
Defender
Where is she from?
Kensington, Perth, Western Australia
How old is Karri Somerville?
26 (born April 7, 1999; as of July 2025)
What are her major achievements?
Olympian (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024), World Cup bronze (2022), Commonwealth Games silver (2022), Junior World Cup bronze (2016)
What is her playing style?
Powerful, composed defender known for athleticism, resilience, and leadership at the back
Conclusion
Karri Somerville’s journey from Western Australia’s junior ranks to the Hockeyroos’ defensive core is a testament to her talent, determination, and resilience. As an Olympian and key defender, she continues to inspire with her performances for both club and country.
