Born in Dannevirke, Caryn grew up in the Paewai whanau in Hastings/ Havelock North and is a Hawke’s Bay legend in Hockey. Caryn debuted for the New Zealand hockey team in 1999 against England. She started her international career as a wing half but then went on to play as a striker, a highly skilled striker with a trademark right to left dodge.

The Beijing Olympic Games was Caryn's second Olympics having competed at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. At that time, she had played over 130 test matches for the Black Sticks. Her highlight to date has been winning the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2000 and winning Oceania Cup in 2007.

Reaching incredible heights on the world stage, Caryn remained involved in high level hockey development and systems with Central Hockey and Wellington hockey coaching programmes. Her support within her local communities includes sports coordination and volunteer hockey coaching as well as community fitness instruction.