Faces of AYWPC I Liz Scott (WA) and Sharyn Arnold (ACT)

If there is one theme coming through at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships it's how the sport comes full circle. 

As the new generation of talent comes through, coaches are now coaching second generation from the same family, Olympic champions are now coaching, officiating, serving as team managers and up to three generations of family members are representing their clubs. 

One dynamic duo who have teamed up from opposite sides of the country is Sydney 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist Liz Scott (WA) and Sydney 2000 Women’s Assistant Coach Sharyn Arnold (ACT).

More than two decades ago, Arnold was coaching Weekes as they prepared for a home Olympic Games, the first Olympics that would feature women’s water polo. 

While much has been written and said about the efforts that went into securing that historic victory, it is the legacy of that win that is evident today. Not only did the Aussie Stingers in 2000 inspire a whole generation of players to get involved in the sport, their passion and commitment to the game is alive and well at the AYWPC 2022. 

So many of the Sydney 2000 Women’s players and support team are here at the AYWPC contributing through various roles… Taryn Woods (Balmain Assistant Coach), Naomi McCarthy (Polo Bears Coach), Bridget Ireland (UQ Barracudas Coach), Deb Watson (AYWPC Broadcast Commentator), Bronwyn Smith (Official), Melissa Byram (Coach Nordek), Sharyn Arnold (Coach Canberra/Melville) and Liz Scott (Coach Canberra/Melville).

For Scott, she’s thrilled that events like AYWPC bring together the tight knit water polo community across generations.

“We do love the sport so much, and that is what’s so beautiful. It’s like a reunion every time we come back to something like this. I love watching my teammates’ kids play and do well, and there’s always a really good feeling at AYC,” she said. 

Representing Australia at a home Olympics, Scott is excited for the opportunity that is ahead for these young players who have aspirations to play in Brisbane 2032. 

“It’s [home Olympics] a pretty unique and incredible experience, so it is actually probably most of these kids that could possibly be in that team [for Brisbane 2032]. 

“I’m just so passionate about grassroots sports, and keeping girls at this age in sport,” she said. 

Working alongside her former coach in Arnold, Scott said it’s a special experience for them both as their daughters play in a composite team - Canberra/Melville. 

“We [Melville] had half a team that wanted to come, and we were just so grateful that Canberra also had half a team that wanted to come, and they were happy to join with us. We’re just really grateful to be here, and making new friends, and playing polo.

“I think what’s particularly nice for me is that Sharyn did coach me and now she’s coaching my daughter and that nearly makes me cry. It’s just a really beautiful thing.

“We’ve really struggled over in WA, this is our first tournament in two years. So just to be in a tournament situation again and have something to aim for is really important. We found a lot of the girls over West just sort of lost focus and not having any goals or something to look forward to is not great,” said Scott.

For Arnold she said working alongside Scott is just a natural fit and she’s pleased with how their respective teams have come together. 

“I think the dynamic is exactly the same - and I think that’s why we were successful, because we worked together. There was no ‘coach knows more than the athletes,’ the athletes were fantastic, and our job was just trying to get the most out of them.

“Obviously we love the sport, and you are only in it for the fun, regardless of what level it is. I didn’t push my daughter back into the sport, and I’m sure Liz didn’t either. 

“This week has just reinforced for me what’s important about water polo, and both in and out of the pool. It’s the new friendships, getting along with your teammates, playing competitive water polo and enjoying playing. 

“When you form a composite team, it’s really easy for that dynamic to go pear shaped, but everybody has been in it for the right reasons. It’s great when it’s a participation tournament that we’re focusing on the things that matter in the sport - and that’s fun, friendship and of course the game,” she said.