Triple Olympian Bron Knox steps into the coaching hot seat

Three-time Olympian Bron Knox has stepped into the coaching seat for the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, while still maintaining her busy preparation for the Aussie Stingers up coming test matches.

With her sights set on making the team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Brisbane local will have her hands full as she juggles her national team commitments with the Aussie Stingers combined with coaching the All Hallows womens’ teams.

The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships kicked off in Brisbane yesterday, with more than 170 teams and 3,000 participants from across the country descending on the Queensland capital for the two-week water polo festival.

Knox herself competed in the junior national championships and is please at the opportunity to help usher through the next generation of water polo stars.

“I’m enjoying coaching, especially at a junior level. You get to coach not only those who have dreams of representing their state or country, but also those who simply enjoy the sport and love being a part of a team,” said Knox.

Having experienced different coaching styles throughout her career, including the coaches that help get her to the Olympic Games where she has won two bronze medals, Knox is keen to forge her own coaching style.

“I like to think I have a pretty relaxed style to coaching. I believe that building strong fundamental skills first followed by an understanding of how the game works, rather than just hitting the tactics hard.

“I want my players to understand the game and be able to make decisions as they arise in the game.

“For me being on the side line is difficult, especially as from this vantage point you get a greater view then you would ever have in the water.

“As such you can see plays develop many steps in advance. Definitely can be frustrating at times.”

Knox will next week join her Aussie Stingers team mates in camp in Brisbane, as they prepare to take on Japan in two test match series.

After their bronze at the 2018 FINA World Cup, the Aussie Stingers are keen to kick their international season off with a bang.

“It's an exciting time to be an Aussie Stinger. I think we have broken through to produce consistent, competitive performances and secure the wins in big, high pressure matches.

“The team will have to break through more barriers as we progress closer to Tokyo 2020, but I am excited to see the team rise to meet these challenges.

“I can't wait to be standing in the green and gold in front of my home town.

“We don't often play international games in Brisbane and it’s a fantastic opportunity to show family, friends and colleagues what water polo is all about.

“It's a great way to show what their support means to us and why we do what we do,” said Knox.

The Aussie Sharks and Stingers will take on Japan in two test matches on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 January.

The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships officially got underway in Brisbane, Queensland yesterday and will continue through until the 24 January.