AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT TEAM ANNOUNCED AHEAD OF US TOUR

Water Polo Australia is pleased to announce the Australian Women’s Junior Development team for their United States of America (USA) tour.

The squad has been selected as a development opportunity for players ahead of the 2024 World Aquatics 18&U Women’s Water Polo Championships, 2025 World Aquatics 20&U Women’s Water Polo Championships and future World University Games. 

Australian Institute of Sport National Generation 2032 Coach and former Aussie Stingers captain Rowie Webster will lead the group for their USA tour, where they will train and play against some of the top teams in the USA - USA Pipeline Squad, Santa Barbara, San Diego, SoCAL, SET, Lamorinda, Newport and Corona Del Mar as well as compete in the USA Senior Nationals.

“This tour will provide our pathways players with exposure to international competition, to establish strong habits, develop cohesion, foster trust and execute our playing style,” Webster said.

“For several players, this may be their first trip overseas, in unfamiliar conditions against unfamiliar opponents, which will allow them to gain insights and experience to prepare for high performance.

“This tour will be crucial for this group to develop a greater understanding of decision-making at the international level, and to cultivate the confidence to execute their unique dominant qualities,” Webster said.

The touring team has been selected from athletes in various NAGP squads over numerous years, based on performances at camps and competitions within Australia, this tour provides a great opportunity for players to learn from each other.

“Bringing together players from different age groups is a great chance for them to create strong relationships with other Australian players, enjoy the experience of being on tour and showcase our sport of water polo,” Webster said.

“It will be important for this squad to ensure our focus is firmly on ourselves and our preparation…to stay in the moment and embrace every challenge,” she said.

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Jade Arnold (Nordek, ACT)

Georgia Ellison (Gungahlin Dragons, ACT)

Karly Flahive (Footscray, VIC)

Mia Freeman (Mermaids, QLD)

Meg Hofstee (Mermaids, QLD)

Chelsea Johnson (Mermaids, QLD)

Nancy Lee (UNSW, NSW)

Stela Lovrinovic-Kaic (Drummoyne, NSW)

Phoebe McGuire (Mermaids, QLD)

Poppy Phillips (Richmond, VIC)

Charley Porter (Drummoyne, NSW)

Jemma Potts (Richmond, VIC)

Victoria Ridhalgh (Sydney Uni, NSW)

Bella Sayer (UWA, WA)

Mimi Stoupas (Richmond, VIC)

Water Polo Australia would like to acknowledge the support of KAP7 Australia for supporting our National Age Group Program teams and helping the next generation pursue their water polo dreams.