Rachael Lynch - Australian Hockey Goalkeeper, Coach & Mental Health Ambassador

Born in Melbourne, Lynch took up hockey after being selected in the primary schools state team. She competed in the 2005 Junior World Cup in Chile before making her international senior team debut at the 2006 Champions Trophy in the Netherlands. In 2014 she was awarded Goalkeeper Of The Tournament at the World Cup and then nominated for International Goalkeeper Of The Year, an award she later won in 2019/2020. Now a retired veteran Hockeyroo, dual Olympian, dual Commonwealth Games gold medalist, and World Cup silver medalist, Rachael Lynch played 233 games for Australia.

Off the pitch, Lynch works as a registered nurse, athlete well-being coach, front line health worker, runs STOMP Goalkeeping and is very active promoting mental health awareness as an ambassador for RUOK? Day and Lifeline. In 2021 she was inducted into the World Olympians Association's 'Olympians for Life' program as one of 5 global past and present athletes recognised for their contribution to society outside of their sport. She was also recognised in 2024 with an Order Of Australia for her service to Hockey as well being selected for the COVID-19 honour roll. The COVID-19 honour roll recognises honours recipients identified through their nominations as having performed service or contributions in support of Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.