Michael Nobbs, the former coach of the Indian men's hockey team, has been engaged in a courageous five-year battle against cancer. Earlier this year, the disease progressed to stage four after spreading to his bones. Undeterred, Nobbs has begun an experimental medication course in a determined effort to halt its advance.
A Daughter's Crusade and the Hockey Community's Rally
Facing steep medical costs not covered by Australian government programmes, the Nobbs family turned to the public for help. A few months ago, his daughter Kaitlin initiated a GoFundMe campaign. The response was both immediate and heartwarming. The Australian hockey community united in support, raising over AU $60,000, an amount that covers the majority of the treatment expenses.
Kaitlin, currently in India representing SG Pipers in the Women's Hockey India League, provided a hopeful update. She stated her father is now halfway through the treatment course and is doing "as well as he can" with his "spirits high." However, logistical challenges persist, as Nobbs undergoes treatment in Sydney while the family resides in Perth.
"It's challenging supporting him from afar sometimes, but we go over there as much as possible to support him," Kaitlin shared. Her presence in India is a testament to her resilience, balancing professional commitments with family concerns.
Hockey Runs in the Blood
Kaitlin's connection to India and hockey is deep-rooted. She has visited the country since childhood and vividly recalls being here when India qualified for the 2012 Olympics. "It was a huge party," she remembered. Her father has been her lifelong coach and mentor. "He gave me some advice to go out and have some fun and play well and take some chances," said the Hockeyroo of the Year awardee.
The hockey legacy in her family is formidable. Not only was her father the national coach of India, but her mother, Lee Capes, won gold for Australia at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Her aunt Michelle and uncle Mark Hager also represented Australia, meaning Kaitlin was born into the sport.
Focus on the Field with SG Pipers
Despite her family's illustrious background, Kaitlin is forging her own path. She is highly impressed working under her current coach at SG Pipers, Sophie Gierts. "She is awesome. She is really good at empowering us as women to play the best we can and making our game plan really clear with all the different cultures," Kaitlin explained. The defender, who earned her 150th international cap earlier this year, brings a wealth of experience to the team.
With her skill and determination, Kaitlin aims to lead the Pipers to the top in the ongoing league. But beyond the turf, her primary goal remains to return home to Australia and see her father in better health, thanks to the support that has poured in from around the world.
