60 seconds with Aspen Henderson

Published Wed 27 Feb 2019

Sydney Uni Lions Aspen Henderson isn’t even 17 years old yet and is already plying her trade in the OVO Australian Waterpolo League (OVO AWL) and looks to have a bright future ahead.

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After scoring her first OVO AWL goal in the Lions' season opener earlier this month, Aspen has gone on to compete in all eight games to date and has accumulated five more goals.

Since 2014, the Sydney Uni Lions women's Club have run an OVO AWL initiative known as 'Little Lion,' which involves an U14 junior player joining the team for a day at home matches.

The 'Little Lion' is paired up with a player in the senior team based on playing positions and then get immersed in the group participating in the pre match team talk, warm up, a chat with head coach and Olympic gold medallist Debbie Watson as well as the post match debrief.

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The initiative was established to ensure junior development within the Club but also provide younger players an example of what they can aspire to be, as well as providing a memorable experience for their future generation.

Only a few years older than the Little Lions, Aspen is a great example for the juniors and WPA got to know her a bit more ahead of round five action this weekend with 10 questions in 60 seconds:

How did you find out about water polo? I found out about water polo because my mum and dad played and still do! Daniel Robinson and Mitch Baird (Hunter Hurricanes) used to used to babysit on the sideline, I would’ve been about 3 months old.
How many years have you been playing the sport? I started playing Flippa Ball when I was 8.
Which Club did you first play water polo at? Woy Woy Wombats.
What is your earliest water polo memory? My earliest Water Polo memory was watching my mum and dad coaching Flippa Ball, while I was floating on a ball!
What is your best water polo highlight so far? Playing for NSW at the Pan Pacs in New Zealand, being coached by Dumpa - we won the grand final with like 5 seconds to go!
What is the highest level of water polo you've played? OVO AWL or making the Australian Female Born ‘02 squad.
What is your favourite water polo position? Right Hand Driver because that’s where I feel most comfortable and probably play my best Water Polo.
Favourite water polo saying? "Sorry, I have Water Polo.."
Best piece of advice you can give to youngster’s coming through with dreams to play in OVO AWL? Be confident and if the older players around you trust you enough and say “shoot’ …….. then SHOOT!
Why should somebody play water polo? Somebody should start playing because of the new and fantastic friends which you get to meet and keep. It also bring so many skills into your life and is a great sporting environment to be in.