YEAR OF BIRTH: 1982

PLACE OF ORIGIN: Auckland

OCCUPATION: Commercial Banker with ANZ

EDUCATION: BCOM/BSC at University of Auckland

NICKNAME: Paddy, although Attila has advised me it's a boy's name

CLUB: Marist (previously Maranui and Waitakere)

POSITION: Utility (i.e. anywhere I'm told)

 

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

I need to be super organised to fit things in but then when the opportunity arises when there is nothing on I make sure I give myself that time to do nothing. Family and friends will understand that you have these other commitments and will be there when you resurface from your water polo camp/trip etc. Advice to younger players is to keep going as long as you are still enjoying it. A piece of advice from a boss at work (a previous NZ cricketer) is "you're a long time retired" so don't stop too early!

 

When did you start playing water polo?

I started playing at St. Cuthberts in 1998 and was with Waitakere as my first club.

 

What is your favourite water polo memory at home?

Hmm I have had so many it's hard to pick. I love the wins obviously but being in a team is more than that. It’s the fun at training, the trips, and everything about being a team and working together that I love. This season with Marist has been a great example. The girls, the coach, manager and parents have made the whole season a success.

 

What has been your international water polo highlight?

In Perth in 2006 we came third at Commonwealth Champs (playing Angie our Marist coach for the bronze). We won that game and it was an awesome feeling!

 

What gets you out of bed for early morning trainings?

In the mornings I think of those last few minutes of the last quarter and how important it is to stay smart. Fatigue makes you do silly things. Those mornings are making us fitter for those moments.

 

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

This totally varies. Essentially whatever is new and the team is enjoying.

 

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

I’m at the point where I want to keep my club strong and keep the girls involved and having fun. They call me Grandma cos I'm old and full of advice. This trip I want New Zealand to break into that top 8 space.

 

What is the biggest barrier for you playing water polo?

Now it's just time.

 

What has New Zealand Water Polo given you personally?

I credit water polo for so many things: fun, great friends, international trips and the opportunity to represent New Zealand. It's also developed skills I use at work. Team building, strategic decisions, time management, and a network amongst other things.

 

Favourite quotes?

"20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do then by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain