PAUL OBERMAN APPOINTED HEAD COACH OF WOMEN’S WATER POLO TEAM

Water Polo Australia (WPA) is pleased to announce Paul Oberman as the new Head Coach of the Australian Women’s Water Polo team.

After serving as the Assistant Coach for the Aussie Sharks for 11 years as well as heading up the WAIS water polo program for 12 years, Oberman will take the reigns of the Australian Women’s program to drive the next phase of the program leading into Paris. 

WPA CEO, Richard McInnes, said he is pleased to have Oberman back in the Water Polo Australia system leading the women’s program.

“With such a short timeframe to Paris, we are thrilled to have someone of Paul’s experience who has worked in the Australian water polo network as well as having extensive international coaching experience, to head up our Women’s program.

“His time working at WAIS as well as his experience at Club level, will prove invaluable as Water Polo Australia looks to strengthen our relationships with our high performance stakeholders and those that contribute to developing our pathway athletes. 

“As is the case with Tim and the men’s program, Paul will be tasked when he starts to assemble a coaching and support network that will help our women’s team achieve success on the international stage,” he said.

Oberman was based in Singapore serving as the Technical Director for Water Polo for the Singapore Swimming Association.  After deciding to return to Australia due to family health issues, Oberman said the timing of the role with Water Polo Australia was ideal.

“I’m excited to be heading up the Australian Women’s Water Polo team as we look towards the Paris Olympics which are fast approaching. 

“After making the decision to return to Australia to be closer to family as we work through some health concerns, the opportunity to work with Water Polo Australia again, this time with the women’s program, was one I couldn’t pass up. 

“Our women’s water polo team has a very proud history… I’ve always prided myself on creating your own history and I really want to work with the women’s team to do that. 

“There is so much talent within the squad and the pathway… and Brisbane 2032 presents a great opportunity for us to increase the pool of players at all levels of the pathway.  I have no doubt that everyone is going to want to be part of a home Olympics, which can only be a good thing for water polo as it has the potential to create genuine competition to make an Australian squad, at all levels. 

“Given the short runway to Paris I am keen to hit the ground running, get connected with the players, see how they work and understand the Aussie Stingers culture so we can then build goals together,” he said. 

Oberman arrives back in Australia in the coming weeks and will officially commence his role with Water Polo Australia from 1 December 2021.