Women in Water Polo Leading the Way

Water Polo NSW is proud to celebrate the incredible women who shape our sport. From players and coaches to referees and administrators, women play an essential role in growing water polo at every level. As we mark International Women’s Day, we recognise their achievements, challenges, and the bright future ahead.

A Sport Moving Towards Equality

Water polo has come a long way since women were first invited to compete at national championships in the 1960s and 70s. A landmark moment came in 2000 when women’s water polo debuted at the Sydney Olympics, and the Australian women’s team won gold in a thrilling final. Since then, female participation has flourished, and today, nearly 50% of WPNSW members are women—a number we’re proud to see growing.

Women’s involvement isn’t just about participation; it’s about leadership, mentorship, and making a lasting impact. Across Australia, women are stepping into key roles at all levels of the sport, breaking down barriers, and proving that water polo is a place for everyone. While great progress has been made, challenges remain, particularly in retaining female players and increasing representation in governance and officiating roles. Thanks to the dedication of pioneers like Lucy Warhurst, Libby Magann, and Lee Bendeich, change is happening.

Meet the Women Driving Change

Lucy Warhurst – CEO, WPNSW

As the first female CEO of Water Polo NSW, Lucy Warhurst knows the importance of visibility in leadership. “You can’t be what you can’t see,” she says. Having strong female role models in all areas of the sport—from the pool deck to the boardroom—encourages more women to step up. Lucy highlights the success of programs like Girls Making Waves, which introduced many young girls to water polo, and the new Women’s Coaching Coffee Club, designed to support and mentor female coaches.

Lucy also acknowledges the historic contributions of women in the sport. In 1984, Australia won its first Women’s World Cup, and in 1986, the Australian women’s team claimed victory at the inaugural Women’s World Championships in Madrid. These milestones set the stage for the incredible growth of women’s water polo in Australia, culminating in the 2000 Olympic gold medal.

While participation numbers are strong, Lucy recognises that retention is a key focus for the future. “We get a lot of new people, but we lose almost as many,” she says. A big part of her strategy is to ensure clubs have the right structures in place to support long-term engagement and that female athletes, coaches, and officials feel valued at every level.

Libby Magann – Referee

Libby transitioned from playing to refereeing to stay involved in the sport while her sons compete “I wanted to make a difference by improving the standard of refereeing in our local community,”

she says. As one of the growing number of female referees in Australia, she values the mentorship and professional development opportunities now available to women. While she has faced some challenges as a female official, she remains committed to fairness and consistency, knowing that good refereeing enhances the game for everyone.

Libby highlights the challenges referees face—many of which are unique to water polo. “You can only referee what you see, and most of the action happens underwater,” she explains. She believes ongoing education and mentorship are crucial to building confidence in female referees, particularly when dealing with tough game situations. Encouragement and support from experienced officials can make all the difference. “It’s rewarding when a coach, player, or spectator tells you that you did a good job,” she says. “Those moments remind you why you do it.”

For Libby, refereeing isn’t just about enforcing the rules—it’s about shaping the game itself. A well-officiated match keeps players engaged and invested in the sport, helping with retention and overall game quality. Her advice to aspiring female referees? “Find a great mentor, learn how to communicate effectively, and don’t be afraid to make tough calls.”

Lee Bendeich – Club secretary & Committee Member, Central Newcastle Water Polo

Lee has spent nearly two decades helping to strengthen governance and inclusivity in her local water polo community. “When I first got involved, the local governing body was all men,” she recalls. Determined to bring a different perspective, she worked to increase female representation at the committee level. Today, her club boasts strong female participation across all levels. “We’ve seen a huge rise in registrations for women’s teams. There’s still work to do, but the shift is happening.”

Lee is passionate about getting more women involved in water polo beyond just playing. She has seen firsthand how women bring different strengths to administration and governance. “A women’s perspective in sport can be both factual and nurturing,” she explains. While governance roles can sometimes feel intimidating, Lee encourages more women to step up and make their voices heard. “You don’t have to know everything on day one. You just have to be willing to contribute and learn as you go.”

The impact of female leadership is evident in the growth of women’s water polo at the grassroots level. In Lee’s club alone, registrations for women’s teams have surged in recent years, with multiple women’s teams competing across different grades. “It’s about making sure that girls and women feel welcome and supported,” she says. “That sense of belonging is what keeps people in the sport.”

The Power of Representation

Women are making history in all areas of water polo. The recent Paris Olympics saw Bec Rippon become the first female head coach to lead an Australian water polo team at the Games, securing a silver medal with the Stingers. At the grassroots level, more female coaches and referees are emerging, thanks to targeted development programs. At the club level, trailblazers like Sally Gates, the first female president of Drummoyne Water Polo Club, are showing that leadership roles are for everyone.

Why Women’s Involvement Matters

Water polo thrives when more people get involved. Whether as players, referees, coaches, or administrators, women bring valuable perspectives and skills to the sport. Encouraging young women to step into leadership roles ensures the sport continues to grow in a way that’s welcoming and inclusive.

For Lee Bendeich, this is especially important at the club level. “We need more young women to step into governance roles,” she says. “Playing gives them an insight into how the sport works, and from there, they can help shape its future.”

Get Involved

If you’ve ever considered trying water polo, now is the time. Whether you’re jumping in the pool for the first time, taking up refereeing or coaching, or looking to make an impact behind the scenes, there’s a place for you. Water Polo NSW is committed to supporting women at all levels of the sport, and we invite you to be part of this exciting journey.

To find out more about how you can get involved, email enquiries@waterpolonsw.org.au, visit our website CLICK HERE or contact your local club or association. The future of water polo is bright, and women in leadership is on the rise.