Hockey Australia high performance director Toni Cumpston has resigned amidst an independent inquiry into an alleged toxic culture in the Hockeyroos' set-up.
Cumpston had been on the receiving end of widespread criticism from past and present players, and her resignation will appease a large number of figures within the current Hockeyroos quad.
Explosive allegations of bullying, body shaming and homophobic behaviour within the Hockeyroos set-up have emerged over the past few months, throwing the elite women's hockey program into chaos.
Past players have come forward slamming the Hockeyroos' hierarchy for the alleged toxic culture.
HA has since launched an independent inquiry, with only a summary of its findings to be released publicly.
The inquiry is still ongoing.
Cumpston took on the high performance director role in December 2016, but current and former players didn't like her abrasive approach.
HA chief executive Matt Favier praised Cumpston for the improvements she had made since her appointment, and her professionalism.
But in Cumpston's resignation letter she wrote through her lawyer, she said she had lost the support of the HA board.
"I feel I have been left with no choice but to resign from my position as it is untenable to continue in the present circumstances," Cumpston wrote.
"I was brought into Hockey Australia to address many of the problems that have existed within the organisation for a long period, including serious allegations of bullying and behavioural issues.
"I have worked assiduously to improve the culture of Hockey Australia and our national sides, and in doing so I have always received strong support and encouragement from management and the Board.
"However, in a very short space of time it has become evident that I no longer have the support of the Board of Hockey Australia to continue this work."
Cumpston's departure sees the spotlight shift to Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin, who has been criticised for missing meetings with players as well as axing stars Rachael Lynch and Georgia Morgan from the 2021 contract list.
A large chunk of the player group threatened to strike over the omissions of Lynch and Morgan.
Australian Associated Press
