Monash water polo returns to Nationals

Monash water polo returns to Nationals for the first time since 2015. 

Source: TeamMONASH.

National’s water polo is back at Monash!

Both the Men’s and Women’s water polo programs are returning to Division 1 (Div 1) Nationals this year and the respective squads are poised for grand returns.  

After winning the Div 2 Championship back in 2014, the Women’s team competed in Div 1 the following year and hasn’t returned since. However this year – finally – the squad’s hiatus is coming to an end.

The girls are understandably excited to be back and have high expectations for the event. Team Captain/Coach Katie Blunt spoke to TeamMONASH ahead of her sides return.  

“Our players have a range of water polo experiences and it will be the first interstate competition for the majority of our players,” Blunt said.

The team has set a list of goals it hopes to achieve by the end of nationals and Blunt said they (team goals) will act as the true barometer for team success.

“Our team goals are to develop as a team, to be competitive and to enjoy the experience,” Blunt said.

Captain/Coach Katie Blunt in action. 

Source: Katie Blunt.

The team is looking forward to coming up against Melbourne University after defeating it in a thriller back in Div 1 2015.

“It’s always fun to play our cross town rivals Melbourne University,” Blunt said.

“In 2015, we defeated them 1-0 in a nail-biting game and are looking forward to this year's rematch.”

As for the Men’s squad – like the Women’s – it will be the first time Monash has sent a Men’s water polo outfit to Nationals since 2015.

Squad member Jack Skeggs spoke to TeamMONASH about how the team is shaping up ahead of its return to Div 1.

“The team is a combination of members from Monash University Water Polo Club state league teams and other Victorian clubs,” Skeggs said.

“Although this particular team has not competed together, most of the players have played together for many years.

“2019 is a new start with a new team and we are looking forward to a strong performance in the pool.”

Written by Joseph Arthur, Media Coordinator