DOB: 13/09/1995

PLACE OF ORIGIN: Auckland, New Zealand

OCCUPATION: Student

EDUCATION: University of Auckland

NICKNAME: Jess

CLUB: Marist

PREFERRED CAP NUMBER: 1

POSITION: Goalkeeper

YEARS IN SENIOR WOMEN'S TEAM: First

 

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

Take it day by day and prioritise what ever is most important for that particular time period. Make sure you look after yourself before trying to please everybody else.

 

When did you start playing water polo?

Year 8 for Baradene College.

 

What is your favourite water polo memory at home?

Playing both school and club nationals throughout the years.

 

What has been your international water polo highlight?

To date, my international water polo highlight would be competing at Junior World Championships in Greece. Not only was the country an amazing one to compete in, but the atmosphere and level of skill on display at the tournament was incredible. As it was my first World Champs I had never been exposed to such a great level of water polo - it made me want to work harder so I had the opportunity to represent my country on the world stage again one day.

 

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

5:30am most mornings. I am motivated by wanting to be the best and do the best I can for New Zealand. Plus, wanting to do well at World Champs in Mexico is something that pushes me to work hard.

 

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

Pump It - Black Eyed Peas.

 

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

I play water polo because I love the game! I get to travel the world with a great bunch of girls playing the sport we all love. Eventually I would love to achieve my lifetime goal of going to the Olympics - fingers crossed that we keep putting in the hard yards to qualify for 2020.

 

What is the biggest barrier for you playing water polo?

The cost. Water polo is quite an expensive sport, and not having much sponsorship in New Zealand makes it extremely difficult.

 

What has New Zealand Water Polo given you personally?

The opportunity to represent my country in a sport that I love. I feel very fortunate to have been involed with New Zealand Water Polo and have enjoyed growing and developing as a player under a variety of experienced and knowledgable coaches.

 

What are your aspirations for Olympic Qualifiers in Gouda?

Ultimately the goal for Gouda would be to qualify for Rio. However as NZ has not participated in Olympic Qualifiers in a while the experience of a tournament like this is invaluable. I would love to make it to the quarterfinal stages of the competition and get the chance to play off for the Olympics. 

 

Favourite quotes?

"Go hard or go home."

"Think training's hard? Try losing."