Australian 18&U Women ready to take on the world

After a ten-day training block in Greece, the Australian 18&U Women’s team have arrived in Chengdu, China ahead of the 2024 World Aquatics Women’s U18 Water Polo Championships.

Taking place between 15-22 September, the major event will see the best 16 teams from around the world compete for the coveted World Championship title.

With a training block including official games against the 18&U Greek national team under their belt, captain Chelsea Isaac says the team is looking forward to competing on the international stage.

“The team is super excited to compete at the World Championships, as this is something all of us have made sacrifices for and put so much time into,” said Isaac.

“Our recent training sessions with Greece have been incredibly valuable and we’ve been improving with each game. We are excited about the opportunity to showcase how hard we have been working, and are looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“We expect the games to be highly competitive and challenging. Our team goal is to apply all that we have been working towards and come together as a team to do our best to achieve team success,” she finished.

For the team, and Head Coach Rowie Webster, the goal of the event is to play their best water polo.

“The team and support staff really want to make the most of the opportunity that is playing for Australia at a World Championship,” said Webster.

“We want to represent those who helped the team get here, and create and play a game that represents the talent within the team and who we are as a group.

“Regardless of the outcome, we’re working to ensure the team leaves China with a host of new and meaningful friendships, respect for their peers and a continued love for the sport.

“If we can foster ⁠a work ethic that will take the team closer to achieving their individual and collective goals, and inspire them on the next leg of their journey, the (World) Championships will be a success,” she said.

Every game of the World Aquatics Women’s U18 Water Polo Championships 2024 will be streamed LIVE and FREE on the World Aquatics Youtube Channel - click here.

The Aussies will play their first game against New Zealand on Monday 16 September at 3pm AEST.

Click here for the full schedule.

AUSTRALIAN 18&U WOMEN’S DRAW

Monday 16 September | 3pm AEST | Australia v New Zealand

Tuesday 17 September | 7:30pm AEST | Australia v United States of America

Wednesday 18 September | 7:30pm AEST | Australia v Hungary

Thursday 19 September | Crossover or Classification

Friday 20 September | Crossover, Classification or Quarterfinals

Saturday 21 September | Classification or Semifinals

Sunday 22 September | Classification or Finals

AUSTRALIAN 18&U WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAM

Bridget Cranley (WA), Bless Daly (QLD), Christina DiGiandomenico (NSW), Saskia Dunn (NSW), Tilly Hughes (QLD), Chelsea Isaac (NSW), Olivia Muir (QLD), Isla Mulligan (WA), Sienna Owen (QLD), Emma Pittman (WA), Jemma Potts (VIC), Izzy Scott (WA), Indiana Smith (NSW), Charley Stephens (NSW), Matilda Waugh (NSW)