Hockey New Zealand chief executive Hilary Poole says they're delighted that Mark Hager will remain head coach of the Black Sticks women, having extended his contract from next month till the end of 2014.
Poole says having Hager stay beyond the London Olympics is a real coup as his knowledge, expertise, leadership and inspiration have been a huge factor in the Black Sticks' rise from 12th to sixth in the world in two years.
Hager says the team, which won the Oceania Cup this year and finished third at the Champions Trophy, has real potential and can achieve some really outstanding results.
He says the players' drive and eagerness to learn and achieve is the main reason he's signed up for another three years.
