New Zealand women to head to Olympic Qualifiers

The New Zealand senior women's team to compete at the Olympic Qualification Tournament in Gouda, the Netherlands from March 21-28 has been announced. "Unfortunately we can only select 13 players for this event; the selection decisions have been very hard. This indicates however a very bright future for the programme as a whole." said High Performance Director Eelco Uri. "I am privileged to be a part of a group that is training hard and proud to represent New Zealand" said coach Angie Winstanley-Smith. "In my opinion the Olympic Qualifiers are the most tense and arguably most important games in water polo." The 3 medalist teams from World Championships will be in attendance, as well as reigning Olympic silver medalist Spain, along with Canada, Russia and Greece.

Only four Olympic spots are up for grabs. "I think this is a very important step for the girls to take, and an invaluable experience playing the world's best in the toughest of circumstances." The New Zealand squad of 18 have been working hard in the new year and will be right up until their departure. The squad balance 6 pool sessions during the week with 3 gym and weekend games and camps alongside either full time study or work, on top of training for their respective clubs. "I am proud of the efforts they are putting in. The team spirit is great and there is a buzz of excitement around the team." said Winstanley-Smith. New Zealand placed 13th at the Kazan 2015 World Championships in August, and have been placed in Pool B for Olympic Qualifiers with hosts the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, France, and Cuba. "I would like us to be competitive with the top teams and put them under pressure in an environment where we are the definite underdogs." Cuba are an unknown: the last time they met the Kiwis, New Zealand lost by a goal in 2011. New Zealand played France in Kazan and won by a goal right at the end. "We have a young team - will have the youngest average over there - and this is a great marker to see where we are at the end goal of Tokyo 2020. Anything can happen in sport."