The 2024 Westlake Girls Waterpolo premier season kicked off with a promising start, with the team placed in the premier grade thanks to the superb efforts of the 2023 team (6th place). The pre-season Delfina tournament during Anniversary weekend set the team up in good spirits, coming away as the plate winners (5th).
The WGHS Premier team was fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate coaching duo this year, with Paul Swindells as Head Coach and Bridget Layburn as Assistant Coach. Both coaches committed a huge amount of time and effort at training sessions, focusing on field player skills and the team goalie. The team also benefitted at games, with Paul guiding the field play and Bridget providing valuable game tips and support for those on the bench. The team development over the season was evident to all.
Throughout the Auckland league season, the team grew from strength to strength. Although some games were best forgotten, these were followed with targeted training sessions with the players taking the feedback onboard and learning from these sub-optimal games. The season ended with Westlake Girls placing 5th and top of their pool after a convincing win against Carmel College (9-7) in the finals.
The North Island competition was held in Auckland this year, and the team was ready for the challenge. With a full squad, they demonstrated their skills and rose to the occasion, securing another 5th place after a successful rematch against Carmel College in the finals. In a high-stakes competition, this achievement is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication.
Nationals was held in Wellington with the team heading to Wellington on the last day of the term, minus a couple of our younger squad members who had other commitments. The team was confident off the back of a successful term one and set a goal of being in the top 8 this year. They easily achieved this goal with the team finishing undefeated and with a tie against Diocesan Girls. A goal reset was required, and the team collectively agreed that the new goal was to place fifth. The team easily smashed this goal, beating St Kents (9-4) in the finals and placing 5th after losing to Rangitoto Girls in the Quarter Finals (who ended up placing third).
Westlake Girls Premiers had a successful year in which all players developed and contributed with their positive attitudes, skills and supportive teamwork. There were many highlights over the season, but for me, it was our improved performance (5th placing across all tournaments) and then coming away with a tie to Diocesan in Wellington and the huge stir this created amongst all teams, the recognition of Westlake Girls capabilities, and the confidence that reflected in each of our girls.
A big thank you to all involved this season, from management, players and, of course, parents. To our Year 13’s (Amelie, Bailee, Cooper, Sophia and Natasha), thank you for your leadership and commitment to school waterpolo. We wish you all the best as you embark on new challenges next year.
From Liz O’Leary.
2024 Premier squad: Amelie Caird, Bailee Swindells, Cooper Godbold, Sophia Tuck, Bella Rowe, Brenna Bansall-Allen, Lucy Martin, Mercedez Frost, Natasha Busch, Ashleigh Fox, Sadie Hobson, Sofie Martin, Tannah Strombeck.