Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers Head Coach Bec Rippon and Australian referee Ash Kaesler have been selected as successful applicants from the World Aquatics Women in Water Polo Leadership Program.
The program is a collaborative initiative between World Aquatics and Kap7 designed to strengthen the representation and visibility of female coaches and officials, while supporting their professional growth through structured education, certification, mentorship and international exposure.
Kaesler applied to be part of this program as it presented an opportunity to grow personally as an official and a leader and also an opportunity to contribute meaningful change for women in water polo.
“To be able to do this alongside other female officials and coaches from around the world who are also at the pinnacle of our sport presented a unique opportunity to collaborate with, learn from and contribute to a collective vision for our sport going forward.
It’s a unique program for water polo at the World Aquatics level, and the thought of being able to add my perspective to be able to (hopefully) provide opportunities, challenge assumptions and clear a wider path for officials who choose the coaching or officiating paths at an International level after me was something that really intrigued me,” she said.
With 26 participants selected, Kaesler said she was surprised but honoured to be among the women taking part in the program.
“I felt quite shocked to have been selected as I am still a relatively new and inexperienced Official on the World Aquatics panel, but also really humbled and honoured to have been selected from a large group of great candidates – any of whom equally deserved to be on this panel.
“Personally, it was a nice nod to the potential I have as an official, but more than that, my selection into the program has also been a great motivator for me because this selection now carries a responsibility to make the most of the opportunity and continue to positively impact the officiating landscape domestically here in Australia,” she said.
Kaesler is looking forward to just being in the room and listening to the unique experiences, perspectives and challenges that her colleagues from across the world bring and the potential to impact positive change.
“Being in a new learning environment and being challenged to understand my strengths and weaknesses as a leader in a water polo context will be a new challenge for me, as will identifying where my opportunities for growth are, and what my responsibilities are as a leader in supporting our aspiring officials and contributing to the development of the domestic pathway here in Australia.
“This program brings together 26 of the most influential female voices across officiating and coaching from around the world, and I’m excited to hear their vision and perspectives for change as well as being able to contribute my own,” she said.
The program will run until the end of December 2027 with multiple courses, online training webinars and community sessions.
