Australia’s next wave of water polo talent is set to test itself against the best in the world, with the Aussie U16 women beginning their campaign at the World Aquatics Women’s U16 Water Polo Championships in Zagreb, Croatia this week.
Running from 25-31 July, the tournament brings together nations from across the globe, with many of the squad making their World Championships debut in Croatia. The Australians open their campaign against Ukraine before further pool matches against China, Germany and host nation Croatia.
Coach Harry Sanderson is excited about the team’s potential and seeing them develop over the course of the tournament.
“This team of athletes has amazing potential. The most exciting element of this campaign is guiding the athletes through their own journey of personal and athletic development.
“Empowering them to be acute thinkers and proactive problem solvers has allowed them to develop a resilience that will ultimately allow them to perform on the international stage. This group is truly becoming a united, connected and fiercely motivated team of young women who are ready to make themselves and their country proud,” he said.
WA athlete Jayde Veverka said pulling on the green and gold at a World Championships is a dream come true.
“I’m incredibly proud to have the opportunity to compete at the highest level against the best players in my age group from around the world,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to playing some of the best teams in the world and experiencing the different playing styles, and being part of such a big international event.”
NSW’s Molly Walters said the opportunity to compete at her first World Championships means everything, and reflects years of hard work and sacrifice.
“Wearing the green and gold is an incredible honour and is a privilege which I don’t take lightly. Every single person here has worked incredibly hard to not only earn this opportunity but also to achieve in this competition.
“I truly believe that we have the determination, talent, resilience and potential to achieve something special,”
Both athletes are counting down to the final pool match against host nation Croatia, expecting a fierce atmosphere in Varazdin.
“Being the host nation I think it will be an incredible atmosphere with lots of local supporters. It will be a great experience to play in front of that crowd and test ourselves against a strong team,” Veverka said.
With a strong squad and plenty of ambition behind them, the Australians have their sights set on the podium.
“Of course our biggest goal as a team is to bring home a gold medal, but my biggest goal is to play to the best of my ability and do everything I can for this team,” Walters said.
With international experience and high-pressure matches on the line, the week ahead promises to be a significant chapter in the development of Australia’s newest generation of water polo talent.
Australian Fixtures:
Match 1
Australia v Ukraine
Date: Saturday 25 July
Time (Croatia): 7:05pm
Time (AEST): 3:05am
Match 2
Australia v China
Date: Sunday 26 July
Time (Croatia): 4:00pm
Time (AEST): 12:00am
Match 3
Australia v Germany
Date: Monday 27 July
Time (Croatia): 5:35pm
Time (AEST): 1:35am
Match 4
Australia v Croatia
Date: Tuesday 28 July
Time (Croatia): 7:00pm
Time (AEST): 3:00am
Australia’s full schedule, results and updates will be available throughout the tournament here.
Australian U16 Women’s Team:
Amelia Edmonds (River City, QLD)
Alexia Spartalis (UWA, WA)
Amelia Zuza Titio (UNSW, NSW)
Beatrice Tallis (Brisbane Grammar, QLD)
Ella Morrison (SNB, NSW)
Georgia Gray (SND, NSW)
Jade Visch (Sydney Uni, NSW)
Jayde Veverka (Melville, WA)
Juliette Trbojevic Cabrera (Sydney Uni, NSW)
Lily Emu (UQ, QLD)
Lulu Lorchan (Mermaids, QLD)
Molly Walters (Balmain, NSW)
Ruby Walker (UQ, QLD)
Sophie Zampech (River City, QLD)
Reserves
Adelaide Bothwell (UQ, QLD)
Stephanie Peck (Mermaids, QLD)
Sarah Vanem (UQ, QLD)
Eloise Whitehead (Mermaids, QLD)
