Pat Barwick was educated at Wanganui Girls' College and then attended the University of Otago, completing her Diploma in Physical Education in 1967. Following sixteen years as a teacher, Pat dedicated most of her working life to the cause of women's hockey in this country.
A provincial hockey representative for Wanganui, Otago, Hawkes Bay and Canterbury, Pat was first selected for the New Zealand Women's Hockey team in 1971 and was immediately handed the captaincy. She continued in the New Zealand team until 1980, and was captain until 1979. A long and highly successful career in coaching and administration followed, and she was coach of the Carlton Club premier team in Christchurch from 1972-82, winning four championships. She also coached the Canterbury women's team to five national titles and two Champions Trophies from 1980-86.
The highlight of her coaching career was as the coach to the New Zealand Women's team from 1987-92, finishing 7th in the 1990 World Cup, qualifying for the Barcelona Olympics in 1991, and competing in the Olympic Games in 1992. She was convenor of selectors during these years, was again a New Zealand selector from 1997-2000, and is a Life Member of the New Zealand Hockey Association.