60 seconds with Jesse Taylor

Published Wed 06 Mar 2019

Having played seven matches with the FYFE Adelaide Jets as part of the OVO Australian Waterpolo League competition, Jesse Taylor is a local talent coming through the South Australian ranks.

In his third season for the Jets and having already accumulated seven OVO AWL matches to his name in season 2019, Taylor is looking to continue his strong form into the latter half of Australia's national water polo competition.

Water Polo South Australia (WPSA) consists of four affiliated clubs representing a membership base of over 350 players and officials in addition to a large number of school competitions. Within South Australia, the sport of water polo is the third largest aquatic sport in terms of participation.

Jesse is a great example of homegrown talent which has come through competitive pathways to reach Australia's most elite level of water polo. WPA got to know Jesse a bit more with 10 questions in 60 seconds:

How did you find out about water polo? I found out about water polo through my school, a couple of my friends in my grade were playing, so I decided to try it out.
How many years have you been playing the sport? I have been playing the sport for almost eight years now. I started when I was about 10 years old.
Which Club did you play your first junior water polo match at? I played my first junior water polo match with Adelaide Vikings - it was an U12s match.
What is your earliest water polo memory? Going to my first ever school training in swim shorts where I could barely tread water and refused to wear a water polo cap because I thought they made you look funny.
What is your best water polo highlight? My best highlight so far would have to be winning gold at the U20 PanPacs competition last year, it was my first gold medal outside of SA and was a great experience playing in such a strong team.
What is the highest level of water polo you've played? It would be OVO AWL for the FYFE Adelaide Jets or playing in the Born 01 Australian junior team.
What is your favourite water polo position? It would have to be left side driver, it’s where I’ve learnt to play most of my life.
Do you have a favourite water polo saying? Screaming “SIX” when the centre back has a counter attack up the pool.
What is your best piece of advice to youngsters coming through with dreams to play in the OVO AWL? Train hard, be confident in your ability, be creative and listen to what your coaches and older more experienced players are telling you and try to implement what they say into your game.
Why should somebody play water polo? Somebody should start playing water polo for the team atmosphere it brings and the life long friends you will make as well as all the great skills you develop both in and out of the pool, it’s also a very physically demanding sport so if you are training enough it will keep you extremely fit.