Two-time Olympic medalist Mel Rippon inspiring next generation of Queensland players

The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) will take place across Brisbane in January 2024, bringing together passionate young Water Polo players from around the country for two weeks of quality competition.

Brisbane Girls Grammar School (BGGS) is entering four teams in the 2024 edition of the Championships across the 16&U, 14&U and 12&U divisions, and will be in no shortage of expertise on deck, with dual Olympic medalist Mel Rippon providing support to all athletes and coaches.

Former captain of the Australian women’s water polo team, Brisbane-based Rippon has worked at BGGS as their Water Polo Head Coach and Coordinator since 2021.

For Rippon, who names water polo as her first love, working with young water polo players and an array of talented, emerging coaches is a full circle moment.

“I was fortunate to have a teacher who introduced water polo to our school, that was really the start of everything for me, it all went from there,” said Rippon.

“I’ve been very grateful for various opportunities over the years, whether it was playing for school, region, state or Australia. Also grateful for the many friendships I’ve made through the sport, where to this day, even if it has been ten years between seeing each other, we chat like it has been ten minutes.

“My family have always been supportive, dad coaches and refereed, mum was the manager who loved feeding everyone. My brothers now coach and my nieces and nephew play and it is so exciting to see them having fun like I did. Obviously seeing my sister Bec named Stingers coach has been exciting news for our family also!

“Having established myself as a coach now, I can say I love being part of the game in any capacity. It’s great to give opportunities to those who want to make the step to representative competition but also to the girls who love the sport for what it gives them: friendship, health and mental toughness."

Rippon and her niece Keira who will be playing at the AYWPC for Cronulla

For Rippon and BGGS, the AYWPC presents a unique opportunity for emerging players to challenge themselves in a supportive, team environment against teams from across the country.

“The AYWPC gives our players an opportunity to play teams outside of Brisbane and Queensland. They can be exposed to other styles of play and have different challenges to what they get weekly in our Brisbane competition,” she said.

“I'm not coaching a particular team this year, instead I am assisting each of our teams and coaches. BGGS are focusing on developing our coaches and referees alongside the players so we have a sustainable program, so we’re focusing on a more holistic approach this year.”

The AYWPC will take place across various venues in Brisbane from early to mid January 2024. To learn more about the event, visit the website here.

ORD MINNETT TEST MATCH SERIES

The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers will also be in Brisbane for the AYWPC, playing in a three test match series. Find out more and purchase your tickets here.

TOP 17 THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE

You’ll have a ball in Brisbane while here for the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) from 5-16 January. Plunge into the city and surrounds with this list of must-do experiences, from island hopping and adrenaline-fueled fun, to a foodie feast and endless summer sport.

The city will come alive when more than 210 teams from around the country compete in the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships for 12&U, 14&U, 16&U and 18&U divisions. We hope to see you, your team and family out and about exploring Brisbane’s must-do experiences. 

CLICK HERE to find out more.