Get to know a couple of Aussie Stingers

The Aussie Stingers squad has been announced for the upcoming test match series and training camp to be held at Kawana Aquatic Centre on the Sunshine Coast from March 26-31.

The Aussie Stingers squad contains six Queensland born players including Bronwen Knox, Alice Williams, Gabi Palm (pictured above), Abby Andrews, Sophie Milliken and Elle Armit.

Water Polo Australia had a quick chat with young guns Gabi Palm and Elle Armit to get to know them a little bit more before they head into camp next week.

60 SECONDS WITH GABI PALM

Favourite training drill? Lots of quick jumps in the goal and leg work in the water

Least favourite training drill? As a goalkeeper I would say lots of swimming

Best thing about being in camp? Atmosphere and level of training, it really lifts me

Worst thing about being in camp? It’s hard being away from home for some of the longer distance camps

Three words to describe the Sunshine Coast: Sunny. Home. Warm.

Who was your Water polo role model growing up? Mel Rippon, it is so great to work with her on a personal level on the side of the pool. I am learning from her as an athlete in her team [Brisbane Barracudas]. She has such a legacy with being captain and going to the Olympics, I have so much to learn from her.

Who is the danger player in the USA team? Melissa Seidemann because she is a dual gold medallist, a strong centre forward who draws so much of the defence. My communications with our centre back calling press or drop will be so important.

What are three tips for young up and coming Water Polo players?

1. Watch as much water polo as much as they can (AWL or test matches) to get that exposure of watching high intensity polo.

2. Get the experience, playing as much as they can with their clubs where they able to learn and ask coaches and older players questions.

3. Make sure they enjoy it. I love it and I think that it’s helping me get further.

What’s your coffee order? Mocha because it has that hit of coffee and that chocolatey taste. Always a large.

60 SECONDS WITH ELLE ARMIT

Favourite training drill? Extra man

Least favourite training drill? Swimming

Best thing about being in camp? Seeing everyone again in the team and sleep-ins

Worst thing about being in camp? Physically demanding

Three words to describe the Sunshine Coast: Sunny. Beach. Relaxed.

Who was your Water polo role model growing up? Sophie Smith

Who is the danger player in the USA team? Melissa Seidemann

What are three tips for young up and coming Water Polo players?

1. Have fun

2. Always try your hardest

3. Build resilience

What’s your coffee order? Small, double shot cappuccino, no sugar.

Australia face USA as part of a two test match series and training camp at Kawana Aquatic Centre on the Sunshine Coach from March 26-31.

Tickets are available at the gate for just $5 for adults and $2 for children.

If you can’t make it down to the pool deck, watch all the action live streamed via the OVOPlay platform.

Aussie Stingers Squad