It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michelle Flouch, following a sustained and valiant battle with cancer.
“Flouchy” was a fantastic goalkeeper, an inspirational coach, a wonderful manager and teammate, and, above all, a lovely person. Beloved by so many at MCC Hockey and, tellingly, throughout the Hockey Victoria and Hockey Australia set-ups; her loss will be keenly felt by all who knew her.
Our thoughts are with her family and closest loved ones at this time.
This article from Stomp Goalkeeping details perfectly just how influential she was.
Update
Since the news of Flouchy’s passing, there have been many more kind words said across various platforms, and we wanted to share some of those from MCC Hockey’s own pages here, in one place, for all to reflect upon and appreciate. There have been many more besides.
With her partner’s blessing, the MCC Hockey Section is also making a donation to Breast Cancer Network Australia in Flouchy’s honour; any others who may also wish to donate can do so here. The BCNA were a partner organisation for the club’s Women’s Round activities in 2019, a cause now brought so much closer to home, and we look forward to continuing our support for them in future.
On Michelle Flouch:
“A teammate, a coach, a fellow Richmond supporter …but most importantly a friend who has left an impact on my life, along with many others.”
“I only knew Michelle for a short time and was lucky to have the opportunity to be coached by her. She could read you like a book, it took me kicking two balls back to her for her to figure out what I needed to work on! So generous with her time, inspirational and will be missed by all.”
“From the first time we met over thirty years ago, Michelle stood out as a wonderful human and a great keeper. When I came back to hockey after a long break, she was as supportive and as positive as ever. I will always be inspired by her integrity and her passion.”
“Flouchey was an amazing woman, goalkeeper, coach and mentor. She was generous, embracing of everyone, and taught discipline and accountability which will stay with me for life. She will be missed by all.”
“A legend, an inspiration and a mentor to all who knew her.”
“Michelle will always be remembered as a fantastic club member, a skilled teammate, a coach with passion, and good friend to all who crossed her path. Hockey as a whole will miss your superb contributions over many many years Flouchey.”
“We lost a great personality of Hockey in Victoria.”
“Such a generous and amazing person and mentor!”
“Thank you for your time, patience and friendship.”
“Just an incredible player, lady and amazing club person.”
“She contributed so much to the hockey community and helped me so much in my time as a goalkeeper. She will be sorely missed by so many.”
“My first year at MCC as a 16 year old I was privileged to play (2 minutes) in a winning League 1 premiership. I was from Geelong and Flouchey convinced my parents to let me stay at hers so I could celebrate with the girls.”
“A wonderful person who achieved so much. She inspired and touched so many on and off the field.”
“Absolute legend.”
“Such a amazing person and willing to teach whoever would listen.”
“A monumental contributor to her teams.”
“A true legend of the sport on and off the field.”
“An incredible person and selfless contributor. My coaching was so much more complete for knowing her.”
“A brilliant goalie and a good sport.”
“A great person, so resilient, always with a smile.”
“Such a warm and generous person.”
“She was an inspiration for so many people. Coach of many. Friend of many. I have only one last thing I have to do for her. Go Tigers.”
