Kate Richardson-Walsh is a celebrated former hockey player and a highly respected diversity, inclusion, and motivational speaker. As the most capped female player in Great Britain’s hockey history, Kate made 375 appearances and scored 49 goals, earning 19 medals throughout her illustrious career. Her leadership on and off the pitch, combined with her unwavering commitment to inclusion and equality, has made her a sought-after speaker at corporate events. Covering key themes such as leadership, communication, ambition, LGBT+ inclusion and female empowerment, Kate brings unique insight and authenticity to every engagement.
Kate’s journey to becoming one of the most influential voices in sport and equality began early in her playing career. She served as Captain of the Senior GB Hockey team for 13 years, guiding the squad through triumphs and challenges alike. Under her leadership, the team achieved notable successes, including a Bronze at the London 2012 Olympics and the crowning achievement of Gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Kate’s dedication and ability to galvanise her team were pivotal in these victories. Alongside her playing commitments, she contributed to broader sporting governance, sitting on the British Olympic Association and European Olympic Athlete’s Commissions, and was named an England Hockey Member of Honour.
Throughout her career, Kate accumulated an impressive collection of accolades. She was named Hockey Writers Club Player of the Year three times, and in 2007, she was recognised as the Great Britain Hockey Athlete of the Year. Honours such as an MBE, OBE, and induction into the European Hall of Fame stand as testament to her impact in sport. In 2008, Kate began dating teammate Helen Richardson. They married in 2013, and went on to become the first same-sex married couple to win Olympic gold together. Domestically, she played for clubs such as Reading, Leicester, and Slough, later taking on coaching roles, including Joint Head Coach of Hampstead & Westminster Ladies XI. Beyond hockey, Kate lends her voice as an ambassador for organisations like the Women’s Sport Trust and Access Sport, and has earned honorary awards from Brunel University and Liverpool John Moores University for her services to sport and society.
Kate is hired as a speaker not just for her outstanding sporting achievements, but for her ability to inspire change. Her lived experience as an openly gay athlete, her leadership in elite sport, and her advocacy for inclusive opportunities provide powerful lessons in resilience, authenticity and equality. Whether leading a team to Olympic glory or speaking to a boardroom of executives, Kate empowers audiences to embrace diversity, lead with empathy, and pursue success with purpose.
