YOB: 1991

PLACE OF ORIGIN: Wellington/Christchurch

OCCUPATION: Teacher

EDUCATION: University of Canterbury

NICKNAME: Al, Boydie

CLUB: Hutt /QEII 

PREFERRED CAP NUMBER: 5

POSITION: Centre Back 

YEARS IN SENIOR WOMEN'S TEAM: Six

 

 

How do you manage to juggle work, study, training, social life etc./any wise words for aspiring water polo players?

Having good time management is so important, prioritise and always have a spare pair of togs in the car. 

 

When did you start playing water polo?

About age 9 as my older sisters played.

 

What is your favourite water polo memory at home?

Too many to choose - Playing and training with my teammates who became my closest friends, competing at national tournaments and playing in the 2010 FINA World Cup in front of a home crowd in Christchurch.

 

What has been your international water polo highlight?

Playing in Barcelona at the World Champs in 2013.

 

What time does your alarm go off in the morning and what gets you out of bed?

5.05am, and knowing that if I don't get up now I'll be late.

 

Tell us your favourite go-to pre-match pump up jam.

Anything that is upbeat.

 

What are you looking to accomplish in water polo? Why do you play?

To train and play to the best of my ability for my team and to compete at the Olympic Games.

 

What is the biggest barrier for you playing water polo?

The lack of pool space in Christchurch following the earthquakes, and the lack of financial support. 

 

What has New Zealand Water Polo given you personally?

It has given me the opportunity to compete at a high level against the top teams in the world, to travel and play the sport I love. It has given me life skills and invaluable friendships.

 

What are your aspirations for Olympic Qualifiers in Gouda?

For the team to come together, and achieve a few upset wins in order to make the top 4 and qualify for the Rio Olympics.

 

Favourite quote?

I hated every minute of training, but I said 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.' - Muhammed Ali