FORMER Olympic hockey champion Michelle Mitchell is Gold Coast's new player development manager.

Alongside her playing days, Mitchell (formerly Michelle Andrews) brings 15 years of experience in the career and education sectors to the role with the Suns.

Mitchell played for the Hockeyroos on 148 occasions, winning gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games, as well as winning the World Cup and four Champions Trophy titles.

"Michelle’s ability and experience to lead and challenge a high performing team will take our off-field program to the next level," Gold Coast general manager of football operations Marcus Ashcroft said.

"We believe Michelle is another quality appointment and a tremendous addition to our football department."

Mitchell will commence her role at next week’s NAB AFL Draft in Adelaide.

Her appointment adds to the significant changes in the Suns' football department, which include new fitness boss Justin Cordy, and three new coaches, including new NEAFL coach Stephen Daniel.