The Board
President
Michael McNeill
Michael have been involved in water polo continuously since 1972 as a player, referee and water polo coach.
Michael competed for 20 years with the Melbourne Collegians Water Polo Club and represented Victoria on several Junior State Teams.
As a referee, Michael has officiated nationally at the National Water Polo League (1991 – 2006), and internationally (1996 – 2003) including two FINA World Championships. Michael continues to referee at the Victorian State Championships.
Michael has extensive coaching experience at school, state and national level including a National Water Polo League premiership. Currently, Michael is the Head Coach of water polo at Xavier College and Loreto College, and also coaches the Loreto Aquatic 16 and Under Girls, Loreto Aquatic Women’s State League 3, and Melbourne Collegians 18 and Under Girls teams in the Victorian state competitions.
Michael’s philosophy with developing school age water polo players is to have fun and learn how to succeed in equal amounts. Success is important but each session must be fun and enjoyable.
Secretary
Jo-Anne Dal Santo
Coming from a sports orientated family, there is always some sporting even to attend. In 2016 I, and other members of my family, attended the Rio Olympic games in support of the Australian Water Polo team - as well as numerous other sports/events.
I am a Fellow Member of the Governance Institute of Australia and as senior executive of a local accounting firm I provide business and governance advice to many companies - listed and unlisted. Sporting bodies face similar challenges to small business and my brief in joining WPV's Board of Directors is to offer guidance in the finance and governance areas as well as supporting initiatives that promote Water Polo in Victoria.
Director
Gareth Hunter
Director
Anna Schofield
Anna Schofield has been inolved with water polo as a parent and committee member for approximately 7 years. Anna has two sons who play water polo for both DVE Aquatic and Richmond.
Anna has been a supportive member of the water polo community including Tournament Team Manager for both club and state teams.
Although not a water polo player herself, Anna is passionate about children being involved in a healthy sporting environment and having the opportunity to learn, grow and have fun in water polo. Anna is passionate for all players to have a safe, healthy and positive sporting environment. It is for these reasons, Anna is excited to be a part of the WPV Board.
Director
Alexandra Steere
Alex began her involvement with water polo as an U12 player in the Victorian Junior competition. She has since competed in all age groups and competitions through to National League representation. She has represented Essendon and Victoria in national competitions throughout her water polo career. Being part of various junior development programs as both a player and a coach, Alex has recently begun exploring her options on pool deck as a coach and now as a board member.
These new roles come with an opportunity to give back to the water polo community and to pass on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of water polo players. Alex is looking to improve junior development opportunities in Victoria to ensure there is a future for all players, both competitively and socially.
Director
Daniel Flahive
Director
Peter Whittaker