St Rita’s College continues to make its mark on the world of Water Polo following the recent announcement of 2020 Australian and Queensland Training Squads.

Five St Rita’s students have been recognised nationally and selected for the Australian U16 Team ahead of the 2020 FINA 16&U Water Polo World Championships later this year.

SQUAD GOALS: Abigale Houston, Amelia Watt, Horatia Schlect, Lily Carrick and Olivia Camilleri (absent from photograph) have been selected for the Australian U16 Water Polo Squad.

The College has also celebrated a record number of girls being selected to play in the U14 and U16 State Squads, with seven students selected in each age group.

Water Polo Coordinator and former Olympian Jodie Stuhmcke said the announcement created a buzz, particularly as the U16 National Squad is brand new this year.

“This is the first time that Australian Water Polo will be sending a team to the international tournament in Greece in July,” Ms Stuhmcke said.

“To be named in a tournament at such a young age is very impressive; the girls are so excited and have worked so hard.”

St Rita's U14 Queensland Water Polo Squad members were also announced: Prudence Dixon, Tilly Hughes, Mia Hollyman, Matilda Morrow, Jemima Irvine and Gemma Hutchings. Absent from photograph: Emma Williams

Ms Stuhmcke said the sport was also thriving thanks to the support of the College and its passionate coaches.

“The staff have been just amazing. Many of our coaches are ex-players so they’ve got that first-hand experience, and give a lot of their time,” she said.

“I think being a school club is really beneficial because the girls have these bonds already; this helps because knowing your teammates and having respect for them is really important in a team game.”

St Rita's U16 Queensland Water Polo Squad Members: Amelia Watt, Cate Klinge, Abigale Houston, Ruby Fox, Horatia Schlect and Lily Carrick. Absent from photograph: Olivia Camilleri

A National team will be announced in May and will go on to compete at the International Water Polo Championships in Greece. 

Another 26 Aussie players will compete at the Pan Pacific Youth Water Polo Festival in New Zealand.

The U14 State Squad will now prepare for the Interstate Challenge in Hobart in September this year, with the U16 State Squad preparing for the National Championships in Adelaide in May.

Below: St Rita's Queensland and Australian U16 Water Polo Squad members train at the Acqua Rosa Aquatic Centre on campus.