Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has supported and made such generous donations to allow me to keep pursuing the sport that I love.

I thought you may like an update on where I have come and what I have been up to for the last 6 months.

The original goal for fundraising was to pay for the Australian squad camps which were in Perth in January and Canberra in April. These camps were such a privilege to attend, and I was exposed to some of the most talented water polo coaches in Australia. From these camps the Under 17’s Australian teams to tour in June were announced….it has been an anxious wait!

So apart from Aussie squad camps what have I been up to for the last 6 months? The first major event was the National Championships held in Perth. My team, Balmain went in as favourites, however, the competition was unknown and the Queensland teams are renowned for being pretty tough. We made it through to the finals conceding 4 goals and went into the final against the Queensland Mermaids. It was a great game and we won 11-7. From Nationals I went straight into Aussie Camp so by the time I got back to school in Term 1 I was ready for a rest! But no such luck!

I was selected in the NSW Institute of Sport program which meant another 2 trainings per week were added to my schedule and a lovely 4am departure from the Central Coast to get to Homebush….lucky dad! NSWIS is a huge privilege as it is a wider age group than the Aussie squad and means I get to train with players that are up to 3 years older than me.

In term 1, I was training for the next Aussie camp and for State Championships which were held in April.

My training and game schedule in Term 1 was as follows:

Sunday – Under 16 and Under 18s club games

Monday – Gym session after school then Australian Water Polo League training

Tuesday – Private session at school, NSWIS training in the morning and club training in the evening

Wednesday – AM gym session and Central Coast Water polo Ladies games in the evening

Thursday – School training and Central Coast Water polo training

Friday – NSWIS training in the morning and club training in the afternoon

Saturday – school games and central coast water polo club games

We competed at the State Championships and won gold. I was the second highest goal scorer and won one of the MVP’s of the tournament. It was a great end to the journey we had as a team in the under 16’s age group. From here I went back to Canberra for the final Aussie camp and selections.

So after all this training, early mornings, sore knees, falling asleep in some classes at school and hard work, I am very excited to say I have been selected in the under 17’s Australian team to travel to America in June 2023. This tour will be invaluable experience and preparation for the world cup which will take place in September 2024.

Once again, thank you to everyone for supporting me, both with your generous donations but also for the messages of support that have kept me motivated to keep working towards my goals.

Sophie