Episode 25 - Minka Woolley & Aleisha Neumann

Jim Unkles hosts Tasmania’s Minka Woolley, the Umpire Manager for Tokyo, her fifth Olympic event and Queensland’s Aleisha Neumann, officiating at her first games in Tokyo.

Back in episode 5, Soph Sheahan hosted Camberwell’s Jim Unkles, Sherie Patterson and Vanessa Ponza to discuss all things umpiring. In this episode Jim takes the hosting chair to present legendary Australian Umpire and Umpire Manager Minka Woolley and Queensland international umpire Aleisha Neumann.

Minka Woolley is the Umpire Manager for Tokyo, her fifth Olympic event while Aleisha Neumann will be officiating at her first games in Tokyo.

You'll hear about their journey into umpiring, their memories of Olympic selection and get an insight into the onerous physical and mental preparation required by a modern official at this level.

Just this week Minka received an Award of Merit from Hockey Australia with awards committee member Peri Buckley saying

“Minka Woolley is highly respected at all levels of hockey for her honest, dedicated, compassionate and professional approach not only as an Umpires Manager but also for her overall coaching, encouragement and development of umpires."

Peri continues

"She is an outstanding role model for the sport.” 

Congratulations Minka!

Aleisha obtained her FIH international badge in 2014 and Tokyo will be her first games. Aleisha also plays hockey at AHL level with the Brisbane Blaze and has had to choose to concentrate on her umpiring.

Thanks for both for your time and best of luck in Tokyo.