VOODOO Voyage: 002: Hannah Gravenall

Welcome back crew, in this episode, hear from New Zealand midfielder Hannah Gravenall, a core member of the Black Sticks squad and a player known for her work rate, grit, and relentless engine in the middle of the park.

From a small-town start in East Gippsland to representing New Zealand on the international stage, Hannah’s journey has been built on resilience, consistency, and a genuine love for the game. With international caps to her name and a standout 2025 season that included Oceania success, she continues to grow as a key figure in the Black Sticks lineup.

We threw a few rapid-fire questions her way to get a glimpse into the person behind the player… and yes, we started with the important stuff as always, our peoples coffee orders. Liquid gold 

Ready, set, rapid fire:

Hannah, first and most important Q 😝 What is your coffee order?
Strong small latte 

What position on the pitch do you play?
Midfield

Which VOODOO shape do you use?
VXL

Would you rather play without a mouthguard or without shin guards?
Without Shinguards.

Why do you use VOODOO?
I have used Voodoo for pretty much my entire hockey career! I love the gear, but mostly the people behind Voodoo!

What about the game of hockey do you love?  This can be on field or off field.
So thankful for all the friendships I have made through playing hockey. I also love the tactics and speed of the game!

Looking back, what’s the single piece of advice you’d give your younger self when you first started playing? 
Making sure I enjoying the game both individually and as part of a team. 

What has been your biggest challenge you have overcome?
Plenty of injuries - mainly broken fingers/hands! (I think I’m up to eight 🫠)

I would say as I have progressed with my hockey over the years I have realised the benefit of working on mental skills, to support performance and build resilience.

What is your favourite memory on the pitch to date?
Tough to pick one!!
2025 was an awesome year, especially winning Oceania.

There are too many fun memories to list with my club team (Hawthorn), Hockey Club Melbourne and the Blacksticks!! Very Lucky 🍀

Outside of hockey what do you enjoy spending your time doing?
Going to the beach, swimming, and walking the doggos 🐶

What do you wish to see for New Zealand hockey domestically and internationally and what is required to get there?
It would be amazing if we could get to a point in the future where we could trial PHL and Hockey One leagues somewhat combining.. have a team/s from the Hockey One come over and play in the PHL and vice versa and in the Hockey One (similar to other sports soccer/rugby) 

Who got you into hockey? And what age and club did you first start playing for?
Primary school teacher at age 5.
Swan Reach (small town in East Gippsland) was my first hockey club! 

Describe your playing style in three words
Runner, scrapper, gritty

What’s the weirdest superstition, ritual, or pre-game habit you’ve ever had or witnessed on the team?
I don’t have any and haven't noticed any crazy ones!

And to finish up once again, our oddball Q... Would you rather fight a horse sized duck or 100 duck sized horses?
Horse sized duck.

Thanks Gravs for jumping into the hot seat this week and giving us a glimpse behind the curtain. Stay tuned as we continue the journey with more of our VOODOO Endorsers.

Thanks Gravs for jumping into the hot seat this week and giving us a glimpse behind the curtain. The blacksticks have a packed schedule fresh off competing in China and now gearing up for the upcoming Home Nations on home soil 15th-21st June with the world cup following later in the year theres plenty of hockey for the Kiwis! Stay tuned as we continue the journey with more of our VOODOO Endorsers.