Summer Slam Week 1 - Wrap Up

After two years of minimal competitive plays for our Victorian teams they exceeded expectations when they jumped into the pool for Summer Slam 2022. Water Polo Victoria are so proud of how dedicated and hard they worked in preparation for Summer Slam.

We were successful in getting several athletes through to the NAGP Australian Squads Camp:

Cadet Women –

Jemma Potts

Cadet Men –

George Teague

Koebe Nay

Pavle Macic

Daniel Magasanik

Lachlan McNeill

Youth Men –

Oliver Purcell

Samson Magasanik

Youth Women –

Stella Radojcic

A massive congratulations to these incredible athletes!

16U Girls - Nicole Lewis (Team Manager)

The u16 youth girls had some challenging games against some tough opposition. Pleasingly they finished on a positive note, winning their final two matches convincingly and displaying some great team skills.

Special congratulations to Jemma Potts who was selected to attend National Camp next week. We wish her every success.

16U Boys - Indy Nay (Team Manager)

The 16U boys performed very well, starting the first day with two for two wins. They met their match against the NSW Blues, leaving them second in the group stage. The boys passed the quarter finals with a solid win over ACT, but were defeated by the much fitter QLD Maroons team in the semi-final. Despite this, the boys finished strong and managed to secure the bronze.

18U Girls - Tarsh Barry (Team Manager)

What a week, with a shaky start and for some the disbelief of actually reaching QLD soil. The girls grew and developed in every quarter not only as individuals but as a team. Bus trips with pumping music and laughter, social chats and games at the accommodation all contributed to the growth of friendships which resulted in the girl’s confidence, support, and teamwork all strengthening. When the girls were not playing, they enjoyed travelling from pool to pool to cheer on the other Victorian teams, they are each the true spirit of Victoria.

18U Boys - Gareth Hunter (Coach)

Two years of limited competitive water polo and interrupted preparations showed in the results of the summer slam competition. Our rusty skills and game awareness were taken advantage of by teams who had the benefit of constructive training and game time. Two years is a long time in junior Water Polo, with Victorian 18u boys missing out on critical practice and understanding of game systems (offensive and defensive structures/strategies) usually taught between 16yo-18yo. Irrespective of results, the 18u boys showed gumption to persist, learn and build on each performance. The character and fight shown in the games is what we will need to draw on when we begin preparing for September’s state championships as we have a lot of hard work ahead to “catch-up” with the other states.

A massive congratulations to all our athletes, coaches and officials who worked so hard to make this happen. We are so proud of all of you here at WPV!