Women in Water Polo at the Top!
Published Thu 28 Apr 2016
There was history in the making at the National Water Polo League Finals over the weekend (11-13 March 2016).
It wasn't just because the Finals were being held in Melbourne for the first time in over 20 years. Or the games themselves, with the two champions (UWA Torpedoes in the Mens and Sydney Uni Lions) in the Womens winning won their first even NWPL Gold Medals.
It was a weekend to also celebrate women in water polo. Last Tuesday, 8 March, was International Women's Day and what a way to continue to celebrate the achievements of women, than by highlighting the five outstanding female Olympians that held the title of Head Coach this National League season...we couldn't be prouder!
An amazing sight to see; team mates from the 2008 Bejing Olympics Bec Rippon, Alicia Smith, and Mel Rippon who all coached their teams to medal finishes.
Coaching the KFC Breakers, was Naomi McCarthy (née Castle) who was at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics.
Sisters Mel Rippon (Brisbane Barracudas) and Bec Rippon (Cronulla Sharks) were at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics together. Mel was also at the 2012 London Olympics.
And Co-Coaches Debbie Watson and Alicia Smith (née McCormack) who led their Sydney Uni Lions to victory. Alicia was also at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
Debbie Watson captained the Aussie Stingers at the 2000 Sydney Olympics where the ladies won gold on home soil. Debbie was also first female water polo player to make it into the Australian Sports Hall of Fame.
Between these 5 stellar women, they have achieved so much, and to have them continuing to support the great game of water polo in such positive ways is a privilege for us.