Living the Dream: Tatum Stewart’s humble rise to Hockeyroos stardom

Scoring her first international goals for the Hockeyroos and winning the first silverware in her young international career, Toowoomba’s Tatum Stewart discusses the six-month whirlwind as a professional athlete.

Toowoomba's Tatum Stewart celebrates her goal for the Hockeyroos against India. Australia vs India, Adelaide. May 20, 2023. Picture: David Mariuz/ Hockey Australia.

Scoring her first goal for the Hockeyroos wasn’t enough for Toowoomba’s Tatum Stewart, as she bagged a double in her side’s 3-2 win over India.

The 21-year-old defender, now with eight caps to her name, was excellent throughout the series against India and claimed the first silverware of her international career.

“Pure elation is the best way I can describe when I scored that first goal,” Stewart said.

“Scoring for your country is a pretty cool feeling, and getting the win over India after they beat the ‘Roos at the Olympics, which was all the more special as it was on home soil (Adelaide).

The young star praised her team’s performance, explaining how youth is their best asset.

“We are a very young group and have been called the ‘Baby ‘Roos’ for that reason,” she said.

“We don’t have much experience at an international level, so the performances we put together in this series have been very promising.”

Toowoomba's Tatum Stewart celebrates her goal for the Hockeyroos against India. Australia vs India, Adelaide. May 20, 2023. Picture: David Mariuz/ Hockey Australia

A six-month journey has seen Stewart go from an everyday student to an international star in the blink of an eye, and she couldn’t be happier.

“I’m absolutely loving it (hockey) and playing at the moment, and I just want to play as much as I can,” she said.

“It’s definitely been a big transition from my everyday life, but I did prepare myself for this transition.

“Moving to Brisbane on my own, being independent and following what the QAS said to do, the transition to this level was challenging, but I knew what was coming.

“Also, just trying to balance my everyday life has been a bit of a struggle.

“I’m still studying physical education at university and I’m also still working at Rebel (Sport), so it has been unique.”

Not one to be sidetracked easily, Stewart said this recent milestone was a huge achievement in her career.

Tatum Stewart shooting for Brisbane Blaze. (Photo by Martin Keep/Getty Images)

But with the Olympics around the corner, she is committed to putting her best foot forward.

“The dream is 100 per cent to play for the Hockeyroos at the Olympics,” she said.

“It is a huge goal of mine to be part of the next side, but I can’t get there without the success of the team as a collective.

“So, this may sound strange, but I’m focusing on what is most beneficial for the team to have success first as opposed to my own individual results.

“If we have success as a team and I happen to be a part of it, that’s when the individual aspect will fall into place as a result.”

Still not used to being a public figure yet, Stewart said she was humbled by the support she had received.

“Toowoomba is very special to me and has always been one of my biggest supporters,” she said.

“If I am able to influence or inspire someone, hockey player or not, that is the inspiration for me to keep competing.

“I also had a kid run up to me today at the airport and asked for a photo, so that was really cool, and I’m definitely not used to that yet.”