NEW COACH, NEW FORMAT, SAME DREAM FOR UWA TORPEDOES

While a lot has changed for the UWA Torpedoes in the last 12 months, one thing has remained the same: the determination for success.

In the off season, Damian Kelly was appointed as the Head Coach for the UWA Torpedoes women’s side.

Kelly has come into the side with an expectation of making the medal playoffs this season, something which captain Tess Hosking said they are on track to conquer.

“The team have been tracking really well, the girls have been training all throughout summer for the state league with their Perth clubs, and we’ve recently come back together as a group to start training for AWL,” Hosking said.

“It’s really good to have Damian’s experience on board, he has been involved in the men’s team for a few years now and to have him at the helm of our program is great.

“He knows how to keep trainings interesting, and relevant to our strengths, so we’re ready for the 2021 season.

The 2021 Australian Waterpolo League season will look different to any other season, but it’s something that makes Hosking reminiscent of her junior days.

“The intense week long format makes me think back to the under 14 and under 16 teams that we had as kids - which was always fun and all you had to think about was (water) polo,” Hosking said.

“It’s really cool that this year the AWL and Australian Youth Water Polo Championships are being held at the same time.

“Cementing that connection between the grassroots and national league will be great in retaining players in our sport,” she said.

On top of her national league commitments, Hosking is also part of the Pathway to Paris squad, who recently were in camp with the Aussie Stingers on the Sunshine Coast.

“As a goalkeeper, any chance I get to practice against different shooting styles and techniques I grab with two hands,” Hosking said.

“To have been training with those girls, and now lining up against them in the Australian Waterpolo League is a great learning experience for me.

“But also for the younger field players, who get a chance to go head to head with some of the best players in the world,” she said.

With the Olympic Games in her sights, Hosking is excited that this year’s AWL will be taking place in a city which could host the 2032 Games.

“It’s really exciting that we could have another Olympic Games in Australia in 2032,” Hosking said.

“When Brisbane was announced, everyone perked up, and now that we’re going to be competing there - it’s going to be pretty special.

“The thought that we could be back there for the Olympics in 11 years, makes it even more special,” she said.

The Australian Waterpolo League will kick start the largest water polo festival in Australia. The 2021 Australian Waterpolo League will kick off in Brisbane on Wednesday 31 March, with teams battling it out across seven days of competition before the all important finals at Brisbane Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 7 April.

The 2021 Australian Waterpolo League is a COVID Safe event in compliance with QLD Health guidelines.

For tickets to the 2021 Australian Waterpolo League - click here

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