YOB: 1988

PLACE OF ORIGIN: Auckland

OCCUPATION: Travel Consultant

EDUCATION: University of Hawaii

CLUB: Marist

PREFERRED CAP NUMBER: 3

POSITION: Centre back

YEARS IN SENIOR WOMEN'S TEAM: Eleven

 

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

Time management is really important, and social life is a secondary priority. To be successful you have to be willing to sacrifice certain aspects of your life to achieve your goals.

 

When did you start playing water polo?

Bruce McLaren Intermediate at age eight for my brother's intermediate team.

 

What is your favourite water polo memory at home?

Winning nationals with Marist.

 

What has been your international water polo highlight?

I have so many great memories from my international career but if I had to pick one I would say Junior Worlds 2007. We beat the Russian junior national team, which knocked them out of the top 8. To completely defy the odds and beat such a strong team, is something I will never forget and will always strive to repeat.

 

When your alarm goes off at 5:30 in the morning, what gets you out of bed?

Too early for thought, I have been getting up that early for so long that I just get up.

 

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

I really hate to say this but Justin Bieber really does have some great tunes out at the moment.

 

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

I play because I love the sport. Simple as that. I am always looking to take my career one step further, and at the moment the focus is all on making our NZ team competitive on the international stage.

 

What is the biggest barrier for you playing water polo?

Little to no funding. We have the talent, but not the financial support. We need to contend with the top teams in the world.

 

What has New Zealand Water Polo given you personally?

Water Polo has taken me all over the world. I have played for the University of Hawaii, professional teams in Russia and in France. Playing water polo at such a high level has given me so many unique opportunities: each in their own way have shaped who I am today. Playing in Hawaii taught me the fundamental skills key in water polo. Russia taught me how to train, and France taught me how to win!

 

What are your aspirations for Olympic Qualifiers in Gouda?

To do the incredible and qualify for the Olympics is the ultimate goal.

 

Favourite quotes?

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky