Heritage Round – Rob and Kate : A Hawks Love Story

When 2 Hawks Championship players get married  and have a baby Hawk, its definately a love story worth telling.

Both Kate (nee Anthony) and Rob Cassir  have a long history with the Hawks playing over 200 games and both receiving Life Memberships. Kate played  2004-2018  from under 14s through to SBL winning the 2017 championship on the way. Rob played from 2013-2023 winning the 2018 SBL Championship and the inaugural 2021 NBL1 Championship.

When asked what the Hawks meant to them Kate discussed, “Hawks was a big part of my identity for many years. A wonderful club where I met my closest friends and husband, and got to play the game I loved. I am very grateful for the Hawks“. Rob went on to say, “Hawks means friendship and community, a great place to finish my career that felt like home”.

We asked Kate about the “love story” aspect and how they came to be a couple amongst laughs Kate said. “We started dating in 2016 and got married in 2023. We initally got chatting when we were partnered up and won at tech foul (end of season function with the men and women’s team)  but timing wasn’t right and we remained friends. Stars aligned after a gero road trip and the rest is history“.

Kate retired in 2018 and Rob went on to play until 2023. We asked kate and Rob how they found the transition from playing to retirement

Kate said, “It was challenging at first, but was lucky as we got a puppy which was very distracting, and for another 5 years I still got to go watch Rob play so could still feel apart of the club. I also made good friends with other partners of players”. Rob added, ” It has been hard, I miss playing and the competitiveness, but I appreciate not being sore all the time. Luckily I have filled my time playing squash with old teammates“. Rumour has it that these squash games with Ben Purser and Ryan Smith are quite competitive!!!

Kate and Rob are now the doting parents of 6 month old Eleanor. Kate is  currently on maternity leave looking after Eleanor while Rob is balancing work life and fatherhood figuring out how to be a new dad.

We have our special past players function on June 14 when the Hawks vs the Wolves. Kate and Rob and many of our past players will be attending this game.

Thanks to Kate and Rob for their amazing service and contribution to the Hawks and for allowing us to have a insight into their lives.

Eleanor Cassir – We will keep an eye out for that name in the future!