Vicki Warren OAM: Sporting stalwart devoted more than 50 years to hockey and softball

Tributes have flowed for Hockey Queensland stalwart Vicki Warren who lost her battle with cancer. Read how people are remembering her.

Vicki Warren is being mourned by the hockey and softball communitires after her death at age 70. Photo: Cody Fox

Vicki Warren OAM never did things by halves.

Everyone who knew her in Queensland’s sporting circles would testify to that.

Her husband Ian (Ike) remembers that as her legacy after Vicki lost her battle with bowel cancer on July 28, aged 70.

“Whatever she put her mind to, she did it to the best of her ability,” he said.

“If she was going to do something, it had to be right.

“There were no half measures with her.

“You’d say ‘That’s good enough’ but it wasn’t good enough for her. She was always so thorough in everything she did.”

Sporting legend Vicki Warren devoted so much of her time to hockey and softball. Photo: Alistair Brightman / Fraser Coast Chronicle

Vicki was a loyal servant of hockey and softball, dedicating more than 50 years to both sports and was well-known in the Fraser Coast region and in Central Queensland.

She was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2020 for her service but it was the accolades she received close to home that meant so much to her.

Being awarded life membership last year of the Maryborough District Hockey Association, to which she dedicated so much, meant so much.

But her contribution went much further than the Heritage City.

Vicki’s resume was extensive and it started with her involvement as a foundation member of the Army Escorts Hockey Club.

Vicki Warren and Kathy Rogers, looking forward to the Queensland Women's Masters Championships in 2014. Photo: Robyne Cuerel/Fraser Coast Chronicle

She played with them for almost 10 years before having two seasons with Uniteds and then joining her beloved Granville, where she would also receive life membership.

Her credits included records secretary, tournament convenor, technical official and Queensland Masters representative.

In what is a clear reflection of what she gave, Vicki held these positions in 2021 alone:

• Women’s Masters State Championship - assessor.
• Under-18 Women’s State Championships - assessor.
• Under-13 Boys State Championships - tournament director.
• Under-15 Girls State Championships - judge.
• Under-18 Men’s Indoor State Championships - tournament director.
• Women’s Masters Indoor Challenge - technical manager.
• Under-15 Girls Indoor State Championships - tournament director.
• Under-15 Boys Indoor State Championships - technical officer.

A post on the Hockey Queensland Facebook page said that the organisation “cherished the contribution Vicki had made to the sport” and that she would be greatly missed.

That sentiment was reflected on the MDHA page, with an emotional tribute saying that “hockey in Maryborough has indeed lost a very special soul who will not be forgotten”.